BETHLEHEM, West Bank — On Christmas Eve, Bethlehem experienced a muted celebration, overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Traditionally known as the birthplace of Jesus, the city was devoid of the usual festive atmosphere that typically envelops the West Bank during the holiday season.
The iconic Manger Square, usually adorned with bright lights and a towering Christmas tree, appeared deserted, with very few tourists gracing the streets. Palestinian scouts paraded quietly through the area, marking a stark contrast to the lively brass bands that usually accompany them. Security personnel established barriers near the historic Church of the Nativity, which is built above the presumed birthplace of Jesus. A young boy, who had hoped to sell balloons, abandoned his efforts in the absence of customers.
This quiet Christmas is a significant setback for Bethlehem’s economy, where tourism accounts for around 70% of local revenue, primarily during the Christmas season. The city saw its visitor numbers plummet to less than 100,000 in 2024, a drastic decline from nearly 2 million tourists in 2019, according to Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Tourism Ministry. The recent surge in violence across the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of over 800 Palestinians due to Israeli military actions, has severely impacted tourism. The specific details regarding civilian versus militant casualties have not been made public by Palestinian officials.
Following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which unleashed the current violence, travel to and from Bethlehem, as well as surrounding towns, faced considerable restrictions. Long lines of cars were seen at Israeli military checkpoints, making it challenging for around 150,000 Palestinians to access work opportunities in Israel, subsequently resulting in a 25% contraction of the Israeli economy. The October 7 assault in southern Israel took the lives of around 1,200 people—most of them civilians—and also led to the abduction of over 250 Israeli hostages, with approximately 100 still believed to be held in Gaza.
In a poignant message, Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa acknowledged the empty streets and closed shops, expressing hope for a brighter future. “This has to be the last Christmas that is so sad,” he remarked to the sparse crowd gathered in Manger Square, where normally tens of thousands would gather for celebrations. Pizzaballa also celebrated an early Christmas Mass at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City, where numerous displaced Palestinian Christians sought refuge amid the ongoing conflict. One displaced woman, Najla Tarazi, shared her longing for next year, wishing to celebrate Christmas in her hometown of Bethlehem: “We hope by next year at the same day we’d be able to celebrate Christmas at our homes and go to Bethlehem. We don’t feel happy.”
Although Bethlehem holds notable significance in Christian history, the Christian population remains a small fraction of the total residents in the Holy Land. U.S. State Department figures estimate about 182,000 Christians in Israel, 50,000 in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and around 1,300 in Gaza.
In contrast, other places were experiencing joyful gatherings despite ongoing struggles. At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the historic site hosted its first Christmas Eve Mass since a catastrophic fire in 2019. Approximately 2,000 individuals participated in one of the four afternoon services, marvelling at the cathedral’s restoration. American tourists rearranged their travel itineraries specifically to attend the traditional services, commenting on the cathedral’s impressive revival.
Meanwhile, in Syria, a festive gathering took place in Saydnaya, where a crowd assembled to inaugurate the illumination of a massive Christmas tree. This celebration provided a brief moment of joy in a city that has endured over a decade of war and infamous imprisonment. Attendees remarked on the spirit of happiness and hope for unity, even as recent vandalism of Christmas decorations was acknowledged.
In the United States, pastor Tom Flaherty at City Church in Madison, Wisconsin, led a candlelight Christmas Eve service, encouraging congregants to find joy through God’s grace after a recent tragic shooting incident on the church’s campus. A week prior, a shooting claimed the life of a 14-year-old student, and the community gathered in remembrance at a funeral for the victim.
As families attempted to travel for the holidays, American Airlines experienced delays due to a technical issue that impacted flights nationwide amidst winter weather challenges. In Norfolk, Virginia, families welcomed home sailors from the USS Cole, reuniting after seven months at sea, eliciting tears of joy and gratitude.
Volunteers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, engaged with children calling in to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts, a tradition that continues from the Cold War era, connecting with children eager to track the iconic figure.
In Barcelona, Spain, the Stella Maris ministry spread holiday cheer to seafarers in the port, delivering Nativity scenes and turrón to those who may be away from home during the festive season.
In the Balkans, a heavy snowfall disrupted travel but also brought a sense of relief and beauty to residents who celebrated the long-awaited white Christmas.
As these varied celebrations highlighted resilience and hope amid challenging circumstances, the spirit of the season continued to shine through in communities worldwide.
