Christmas Celebrations Return to Bethlehem and Nazareth Amid Divergent Christian Population Trends
Christmas celebrations returned to the Holy Land cities of Bethlehem and Nazareth in 2025.
In Bethlehem, a Mass was led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, while Nazareth experienced a Christmas parade and a revival in tourism.
Nazareth hosts the largest Arab-Christian population in Israel, approximately 18,900 residents, and is described as flourishing under Israeli governance. Christians comprise about 2% of Israel's overall population and reportedly enjoy high GDP per capita.
In contrast, Bethlehem's Christian population has sharply declined since 1950, when it was about 86%, dropping to around 10% by the 2017 census. Since October 7, 2023, at least 142 Christian families have left the Bethlehem area.
Critics attribute Bethlehem's population decline to Palestinian Authority (PA) governance since the 1990s Oslo era. Local perspectives vary, with some leaders indicating improved conditions, while others report fear and harassment limiting religious observances.
Tensions have resulted in incidents such as threats against churches, a firebombed church in Jenin, and a Christmas tree set on fire outside a church. Israel's Foreign Ministry has warned of growing hostility toward Christians under PA governance.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel protects Christians and permits free practice of their faith, highlighting a contrast between Bethlehem's past and present situations under different governance.
Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics reported about 184,200 Christians in Israel as of Christmas Eve 2025, roughly 1.9% of the population, with a Christian population growth rate of 0.7% in 2024.
The overall narrative contrasts Nazareth's growth under Israeli rule with Bethlehem's shrinkage under PA governance, framing a broader debate over religious freedom and the protection of ancient Christian communities.
