News EditorIn Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the holiday season traditionally brings joy and celebration, but this year the festive spirit has been overshadowed by the ongoing war in Gaza. With few visitors and public celebrations canceled for a second year in a row, Christmas in the occupied West Bank town feels somber.
The usual street decorations and towering Christmas tree in front of the Nativity Church, believed to mark the birthplace of Christ, are absent. Palestinian Christians, including many from Bethlehem, are focusing on private religious ceremonies and family gatherings, rather than large public festivities.
“This should be a time of joy and celebration,” said Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac, a Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem. “But Bethlehem is a sad town in solidarity with our siblings in Gaza.” At his church, the Nativity scene depicts a baby Jesus lying amid rubble, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many Palestinians in the region. The reverend’s sermon poignantly addressed the ongoing violence in Gaza, condemning the international community’s inaction and calling the situation a “genocide” against Palestinians—a claim Israel strongly denies.
The Gaza Strip has seen devastating losses, with over 45,000 deaths reported since the conflict escalated in October 2023 following Hamas attacks on Israel. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has affected families across the region, with many in Bethlehem personally connected to those suffering in Gaza.
Dr. Yousef Khouri, a theologian originally from Gaza, described the horrors faced by his relatives, who have been sheltering in churches under dire conditions, without enough food, sleep, or medical aid. “We’ve lost friends and relatives,” he said, reflecting the widespread grief among Palestinians with family in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has also exacerbated tensions in the West Bank, where Israel has imposed additional movement restrictions on Palestinians and canceled work permits for thousands of individuals. Bethlehem, heavily reliant on tourism, has been particularly impacted. With visitors absent, local guides like Abdullah and souvenir sellers like Adnan Subah are struggling to make ends meet, with many businesses having remained closed for more than a year.
“Without tourists, there is no life in Bethlehem city,” said Abdullah, a local guide. The severe economic downturn, coupled with the expansion of Israeli settlements, has left many Palestinian families fearful for their future, prompting some to emigrate.
In response to the crisis, local community groups like the Palestine Lions Club are stepping up to support those in need. Volunteers are organizing food parcel deliveries for struggling families, with donations from both local and international sources.
Wael Shaer, head of the Palestine Lions Club, explained the spirit of their mission: “Christmas is the spirit of giving and joy, and we hope with this parcel we can give some hope and joy to families in our area.” One such delivery to a family in need brought both practical aid and a moment of festive cheer.
As Bethlehem’s Christian community grapples with hardship, efforts like these provide a small but meaningful respite, reminding them of the enduring Christmas spirit even in the face of hardship and despair.
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