Christmas in Bethlehem Celebrated Amid the Strain of Israel’s War in Gaza

Christmas in Bethlehem, traditionally a time of joy and celebration, is muted this year under the shadow of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The historic town, known as the birthplace of Jesus, has been deeply affected by the war, and this holiday season is marked more by mourning than festivity.

A Quiet Holiday Season

Bethlehem, typically filled with the sounds of parades, festive music, and the lighting of a grand Christmas tree, is experiencing a somber holiday. The usual Christmas tree in the main square is absent, and the traditional parades by Palestinian scouts were notably quieter, without their customary instruments like drums and bagpipes.

Rev. Munther Isaac, the pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church, expressed the deep sadness felt by the town’s residents. “Bethlehem is the capital of Christmas. It’s supposed to be the best time of the year. None of that is happening because we’re mourning,” he told NBC News.

A Nativity Scene Reflecting the Tragedy of War

In the church, the Nativity scene has been altered to reflect the ongoing tragedy. For the second consecutive year, the baby Jesus is depicted wrapped in a keffiyeh, the Palestinian scarf, and resting on a pile of rubble. This image symbolizes the thousands of Palestinian children who have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Rev. Isaac poignantly remarked, “We see Jesus in every child pulled from under the rubble in Gaza.”

Economic Struggles and Emigration

Bethlehem’s economy, heavily reliant on tourism, is facing severe challenges. The war, which began following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has led to a drastic drop in visitors. This has compounded the financial struggles the town has faced since the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the tourism industry.

Local businesses, like Rony Tabash’s gift shop near the Church of the Nativity, are struggling to survive. “Honestly, it’s a desert,” Tabash said, noting the lack of pilgrims and tourists. At times, he has gone months without making a sale.

Additionally, Bethlehem is surrounded by an Israeli-built wall that limits access to Jerusalem and hinders urban development. While Israel claims the wall is a security measure, the International Court of Justice ruled it to be illegal in 2004.

Concern Over the Future of Bethlehem’s Christian Community

The ongoing hardships have led many young people to leave Bethlehem in search of better opportunities abroad, raising concerns about the future of the Christian community in the city. “We are very, very concerned,” said Rev. Isaac. “This is beyond the dangerous point.”

The Pain of Separation

The emotional toll of the war is felt deeply by elderly Christians in Bethlehem. Nuha Tarazi, a 79-year-old widow, refrained from putting up a Christmas tree this year, unable to celebrate while her family in Gaza suffers. Tarazi, who has lived in Bethlehem for nearly 40 years, has lost several relatives in the conflict, including a sister killed in an Israeli airstrike and a brother who died from untreated kidney disease due to Gaza’s collapsing healthcare system.

Tarazi’s surviving siblings, Samhiaa and Atallah Tarazi, are among the hundreds of Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Church in Gaza. The situation is dire, with airstrikes and Israeli drones constantly overhead. Despite the dire circumstances, the Tarazi siblings still found a moment to connect with Nuha in Bethlehem over the phone. Samhiaa, urging her sister to keep some holiday spirit, said, “Happy New Year, may you be in peace… Rejoice as much as you can.”

A Christmas of Sorrow and Solidarity

In Bethlehem, as in Gaza, this Christmas is a time of grief and solidarity. The holiday, typically a time of joy, has become a reminder of the ongoing suffering in the region and the enduring spirit of those who continue to hope for peace despite the violence surrounding them.