Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem (Israel Occupied Palestine) are muted this year due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Many tourists have cancelled their trips to the city, and there is a heavy security presence.
Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem (IOP) have been greatly affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The city, usually bustling with visitors during this festive season, is nearly deserted. Local leaders decided to scale back festivities in solidarity with Palestinians facing heavy fighting in Gaza. Over 20,000 people have lost their lives, and nearly 85% of the population has been displaced.
Due to the conflict, decorations are removed, parades and religious celebrations are canceled, and the iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square is missing. Traveling to Bethlehem has become even more challenging with increased restrictions and checkpoints.
The impact extends beyond the spiritual aspect, affecting the local economy that heavily relies on pilgrims and tourism. Many businesses, including hotels, shops, and restaurants, have closed due to the absence of tourists and faithful visitors. Souvenir shops, like Rony Tabash’s, remain open to support skilled artisans but struggle with a lack of customers.
Continuous Protests
Even the Church of the Nativity, a World Heritage site, is largely empty. In a typical year, hundreds would wait in queues to enter its grotto. The place is believed to be the exact birthplace of Jesus. This year, the atmosphere is somber, with Father Spiridon Sammour expressing the absence of joy and peace during the Christmas season. The priest calls for prayers for world leaders to make decisions that bring peace not only to Bethlehem but also globally.
The plea is not limited to Palestinian lives, as the signatories lament all deaths, both Palestinian and Israeli. The display of a nativity scene in Isaac’s church, featuring a baby Jesus wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh lying in rubble. It serves as a poignant reminder of the collective suffering experienced by the people in the region.
As the international community grows increasingly concerned about the human toll and destruction in Gaza, the call for a ceasefire becomes more urgent. The Christmas wish for peace extends beyond borders, emphasizing the shared humanity that transcends the ongoing conflict.
