In the heart of Bethlehem, where the festive lights usually twinkle and Christmas carols fill the air, this year paints a different picture. Christmas Eve, a time of joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by the relentless Israel-Hamas war. In this detailed exploration, we unravel the profound impact of the conflict on Bethlehem’s cherished traditions, examining the poignant atmosphere that engulfs the town.
A Ghost Town Grieves on Christmas Eve:
Bethlehem, known as the biblical birthplace of Jesus, is typically a vibrant hub on Christmas Eve, teeming with locals and foreign tourists. However, the absence of the customary Christmas tree and festive lights in Manger Square transforms the usually lively town into a haunting ghost town. The silence is palpable, accentuated by the empty streets that would normally echo with the sounds of jubilant youth marching bands that annually mark the holiday. Dozens of Palestinian security forces patrol the vacant square, serving as a stark reminder of the conflict’s severity.
The stark difference between this year’s deserted square and the typical festive scenes underscores the gravity of the situation. The once-thriving marketplace, now silent, narrates a tale of resilience and restraint, as the townspeople grapple with the harsh reality of a subdued Christmas.
Darkness Amidst Tradition:
Against the backdrop of this unusual silence, Brother John Vinh, a Franciscan monk from Vietnam who has lived in Jerusalem for six years, captures the prevailing sentiment. “This year, without the Christmas tree and without lights, there’s just darkness,” he observes. The Nativity scene in Manger Square, a symbol of hope and joy, takes on a poignant tone. The baby Jesus, usually a central figure representing new beginnings, is now wrapped in a white shroud, a solemn tribute to the countless children lost in the Gaza conflict.
Barbed wire surrounds the Nativity scene, forming a stark contrast to the usual bursts of color that define the Christmas season. The grey rubble and somber imagery reflect the sorrow that has permeated the town, transforming a traditionally festive occasion into a moment of reflection and solidarity with those affected by the conflict.
Economic Impact and Unemployment:
Beyond the emotional toll, the cancellation of Christmas festivities deals a severe blow to Bethlehem’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism. Tourism, constituting approximately 70% of the town’s income, is at a standstill due to the conflict. Major airlines canceling flights to Israel exacerbate the situation, with over 70 hotels in Bethlehem forced to close their doors, leaving thousands unemployed.
Local businesses, emblematic of Bethlehem’s vibrant culture, are struggling to survive. Afteem Restaurant, a family-owned falafel restaurant just steps from Manger Square, usually experiences its busiest day of the year on Christmas Eve. However, this year, it operates at a mere 15% of normal business, unable to cover operating costs. The economic downturn further deepens the shadows cast by the conflict, impacting livelihoods and the very essence of Bethlehem’s identity.
Message of Sadness on Christmas Eve:
Under a banner that reads “Bethlehem’s Christmas bells ring for a cease-fire in Gaza,” a few teenagers offer small inflatable Santas, but the atmosphere is far from festive. Instead of their traditional musical march through the streets of Bethlehem, young scouts stand silently with flags, embodying a collective sorrow.
Bethlehem’s mayor, Hana Haniyeh, addresses the crowd with a poignant message, stating, “Our message every year on Christmas eve is one of peace and love, but this year it’s a message of sadness, grief, and anger in front of the international community with what is happening and going on in the Gaza Strip.” The usual joyous occasion of Christmas has transformed into a platform for expressing solidarity and demanding global attention to the crisis in Gaza.
Christmas Eve – Conclusion:
As Bethlehem grapples with a subdued Christmas Eve, the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict resonates deeply in every corner of the town. The absence of the Christmas tree and the shadows cast by economic struggles may create a temporary darkness, but the resilient spirit of Bethlehem endures. In the quiet streets and empty squares, there lies a collective hope for a brighter future beyond the current challenges.
While the world watches the conflict unfold, Bethlehem, with its timeless significance, becomes a symbol of endurance and unity. Christmas, in its simplest form, is about hope and renewal, and Bethlehem, amidst adversity, embodies these timeless values. As the town navigates through this unprecedented Christmas Eve, the echoes of its silenced celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines the spirit of Bethlehem.
