Christmas Celebrations Resume in Bethlehem After More Than Two Years of War Disruptions
Bethlehem has resumed its Christmas celebrations after a pause of more than two years caused by the Gaza war and related disruptions. The return to festivities follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, which has largely held, with preparations for a second phase reportedly underway after talks in Miami involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, led a procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem for the Christmas Eve events and brought greetings from Christians in Gaza. Upon arriving at Manger Square, Pizzaballa called for a Christmas full of light, emphasizing that "the light of Bethlehem is the light of the world."
Bethlehem's Christmas festivities began on December 6 with the lighting of the first Christmas tree since 2022. The city’s mayor, Maher Canawati, had announced in November that celebrations would return, urging unity and peace amid ongoing challenges.
During the war, Manger Square displayed a nativity scene depicting baby Jesus surrounded by rubble and barbed wire, reflecting the impact of the Gaza conflict on the city. Economically, Bethlehem suffered greatly; unemployment soared from 14% to 65%, leaving about 4,000 people without work. The city remains under limited Palestinian Authority control due to the Oslo Accords, contributing to restricted tourism and economic hardship.
