Bethlehem's Christmas Spirit Revives After Two-Year Absence Amid Gaza Tensions

In a heartwarming display of resilience, the city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank lit up its Christmas tree on Saturday, marking the first time since the Gaza war began over two years ago. The festive ceremony, attended by thousands, including Christians and Muslims, brought much-needed cheer to the city. The Christmas tree, adorned with red and gold baubles, stood tall on Manger Square, metres away from the historic Church of the Nativity. Its twinkling lights and bright red star on top shone brightly against the night sky, symbolizing hope for the city's residents. For 27-year-old Abeer Shtaya, who travelled 100 kilometres with a group of university students, the event was a message of peace and calm. "It's like a symbol for resilience," she said. Many visitors, including Christians and Muslims, had travelled from Palestinian territories, Israel, and even further afield to enjoy the festive spirit. The city's economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. "Covid was bad, but nothing like the last two years," said Mike Shahen, a ceramic store owner on the square. Despite the challenges, the city's residents remain hopeful for a brighter future. Christian pilgrims, who had been hesitant to visit due to safety concerns, have slowly begun to return. Fabien Safar, a guide and director of Terra Dei, expects a real recovery in 2027, but notes that the situation in Gaza and Lebanon remains unpredictable. The city's residents are cautiously optimistic about the future, but the war's impact on their daily lives is still evident. Long queues at Israeli military checkpoints and violence in the West Bank have made travel difficult. However, the Christmas tree's lighting has brought a sense of normalcy and joy to the city, reminding its residents that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.