Daijiworld Media Network - Bethlehem
Bethlehem, Dec 7: For the first time since 2022, a giant 20-metre Christmas tree lit up Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Saturday night, marking a cautious return of festivities in the revered birthplace of Jesus after two years of war-driven silence.
The West Bank city had cancelled all public Christmas celebrations during 2023 and 2024 as the Gaza war claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. But with a fragile Gaza ceasefire now in its second month, thousands of Palestinians from across the West Bank and Israel gathered at the edge of Manger Square, erupting in cheers as the tree’s red-and-gold lights came alive shortly before 8 pm.
“We came to celebrate, watch and enjoy, because for several years we haven’t had the chance,” said Randa Bsoul, a 67-year-old Palestinian from Haifa.
Although Gaza lies 60 km away, the conflict has deeply scarred life in Bethlehem. Tourism — the backbone of the city’s economy — has collapsed, while Israeli military checkpoints and roadblocks have multiplied across the West Bank. Many residents say they have family and friends trapped in Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, where the death toll recently climbed above 70,000.
“The past two years have been like hell,” said a local shopkeeper, fearful of repercussions and requesting anonymity. He described worsening economic struggles and tightening restrictions that have sealed several Palestinian communities behind gates and barriers.
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said the city’s celebrations are overshadowed by the suffering in Gaza. “The wound of Gaza is our wound… the light of Christmas has no meaning unless it first touches the hearts of the afflicted,” he told reporters this week.
Despite the sombre mood, many residents said they hoped this Christmas would mark a turning point. “We are looking for hope,” said Bethlehem resident Diana Babush. “We pray peace will prevail.”
In a nod to the uncertainty of the times, the ceremony ended without fireworks — a symbolic gesture reflecting both restraint and hope for a more peaceful year ahead.