Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is observing Christmas this year with an air of solemnity, overshadowed by the devastating war in Gaza. Unlike previous years, the usually festive Manger Square remains dim and bare, with no Christmas tree, lights, or crowds of tourists. The joyful brass bands and lively parades have been replaced with silence, reflecting the region’s grief.
Despite the subdued atmosphere, the spiritual heart of Christmas persists. The Church of the Nativity is hosting its traditional midnight mass, led by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, offering prayers of peace and hope to a weary community. Palestinian scouts marched quietly through the streets, holding signs that read, “We want life, not death,” symbolizing the yearning for an end to suffering and conflict.
The absence of Christmas celebrations has taken a toll on Bethlehem’s economy, where tourism once accounted for 70% of income. Visitor numbers, which peaked at 2 million in 2019, have plunged to under 100,000 this year. Unemployment in Bethlehem has soared to 50%, higher than the West Bank’s overall rate of 30%. Vendors like Mohammad Awad, who has sold coffee for 25 years near the Mosque of Omar, lament the lack of customers, hoping for peace and the return of tourists.
Mayor Anton Salman reiterated Bethlehem’s enduring message of peace and hope, urging the global community to end the suffering of Palestinians. As Bethlehem mourns in solidarity with Gaza, the town’s muted Christmas serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the universal longing for peace.