Bethlehem experienced a mournful Christmas Eve this past Tuesday, as the city, known as the traditional birthplace of Jesus, continues to feel the impacts of conflict and unrest in nearby Gaza.
Typically, this time of year brings joyous celebrations across the West Bank, but this season, the festive atmosphere was notably absent. The usual vibrant decorations in Manger Square, including the large Christmas tree and bright lights, were missing, and the usual influx of international visitors was drastically reduced.
In a shift from tradition, Palestinian scouts paraded quietly through the streets instead of performing with their lively brass band. Security personnel set up barriers near the prominent Church of the Nativity, located on the historical site believed to be Jesus’s birthplace. A young vendor, hoping to sell balloons, was left disheartened as there were no customers to be found.
The lack of Christmas celebrations has been a significant setback for Bethlehem’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Approximately 70% of the town’s income is generated during the Christmas season, but tourist numbers have plummeted. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bethlehem welcomed nearly 2 million visitors annually, but projections for 2024 suggest fewer than 100,000 will make the trip, as per statements from Jiries Qumsiyeh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry.
The increasing violence in the West Bank has severely curtailed tourism, particularly in light of reported casualties—over 800 Palestinians and numerous Israelis have died in recent conflicts. The Israeli military has made it difficult for individuals to travel freely, and since the onset of war following the October 7 Hamas attack, movement into and out of Bethlehem has been further restricted. Lines of cars waiting at military checkpoints have become commonplace, with around 150,000 Palestinian workers barred from seeking employment in Israel, impacting the Israeli economy by around a quarter.
Following the October 7 assault by Hamas militants, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities, mostly civilians, and over 250 hostages taken, the social fabric of the region continues to fray. Among those affected by the violence, Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa observed the deserted streets and closed shops in Bethlehem, expressing the desire for a brighter future come next Christmas.
“This should be the last Christmas marked by such sadness,” he remarked to those gathered in the normally bustling Manger Square. He also conducted a pre-Christmas Mass at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, where many Palestinian Christians have sought refuge since the conflict began, often struggling with severe shortages of food and water.
“We hope that by next year, we’ll be able to celebrate Christmas in our homes and visit Bethlehem,” said Najla Tarazi, a displaced individual praying for the conflict to cease. “Right now, joy feels out of reach.”
While Bethlehem is historically significant to Christianity, Christians constitute a small fraction of the population across the Holy Land, estimated at about 14 million. This includes roughly 182,000 in Israel, 50,000 across the West Bank and Jerusalem, and 1,300 in Gaza, according to the U.S. State Department.
Despite the somber atmosphere in Bethlehem, churches elsewhere celebrated more uplifting events. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris held its first Christmas Eve Masses since suffering devastating damage from a fire in 2019. Around 2,000 attendees participated in one of the four Masses, admiring the cathedral’s restoration and festive spirit. Some American tourists even tailored their travels to ensure they could experience Christmas services at the iconic site.
In Saydnaya, Syria, hundreds gathered to celebrate the lighting of a beautiful Christmas tree, bringing a much-needed moment of joy to a community weary from years of war. As families and friends celebrated, expressions of hope for national unity and renewal echoed among attendees.
Meanwhile, in Madison, Wisconsin, a Christmas Eve candlelight service at City Church turned poignant as pastor Tom Flaherty emphasized finding joy in the presence of God, especially after the community experienced a tragic school shooting recently.
As many Americans faced travel difficulties due to technical flight issues and winter weather, much-needed reunions occurred, notably when the USS Cole returned home to Norfolk, Virginia, after months at sea.
In Spain’s port of Barcelona, volunteers from the Stella Maris ministry brought festive cheer to seafarers, providing gifts and holiday treats to those far from home.
The Balkans also experienced a heavy snowfall, leaving some stranded but others appreciating the long-awaited winter wonderland, recalling how they had missed seeing a white Christmas for nearly two decades.
