For the first time in two years, the historic city of Bethlehem is once again aglow with festive lights and alive with the sounds of Christmas music, as tourists and pilgrims return following the ceasefire in Gaza. This revival offers a crucial economic lifeline to a community where unemployment had soared to 65% during the conflict.
A Return of Light and Hope
At midnight on Christmas Eve, the traditional hymn "The Night of Christmas" will resonate within the grotto of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, the revered site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The lyrics, "On the night of Christmas, war is buried, On the night of Christmas, love is born," carry profound significance for locals this year.
"It reminds us that no matter the difficulties, the darkness, there is always a light and that hope is always alive," said Joseph Hazboun, conductor of a local Catholic lay choir. Choir member Odette Al Sliby, who has sung since childhood, described the midnight Mass in the grotto as a uniquely holy experience and a powerful message of endurance for Christians in the Holy Land.
Vital Economic Engine Restarts
The resurgence of festive activity in Manger Square, complete with a Christmas market and music, marks a dramatic shift. Around 80% of Bethlehem's residents, in this Muslim-majority city, depend on tourism-related businesses. The ripple effect of their earnings supports communities across the wider West Bank.
Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati revealed the stark impact of the war, stating the city's unemployment rate had jumped from 14% to 65%. The downturn prompted an estimated 4,000 people to leave Bethlehem in search of work, exacerbating a worrying trend of Christian emigration from the region.
Resident Zoya Thalgia captured the mood, saying, "You can see the town come alive again. Everyone’s happy, everyone’s coming out to celebrate, no matter religion, no matter their stance, everyone is here."
Hope Tempered by Ongoing Tensions
Despite the ceasefire that began in October and the return of celebrations, including a busy Christmas market in Ramallah, underlying tensions remain high across the West Bank. The area has seen increased Israeli military raids and a record level of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in 2025.
The festive revival, including the lighting of the community Christmas tree for the first time in two years, provides a much-needed respite, especially for children. However, the community remains deeply affected by the trauma of the Gaza war.
Joseph Hazboun expressed a prayer that the Christian population, now less than 2% of the West Bank, will not shrink further. "We continue to pray for peace," he said. "This is the land of peace, it’s the land where the Prince of Peace was born, and we continue to pray and hope that one day we all will enjoy peace."
