Bethlehem Celebrates Christmas, Looks to Future with Hope
BETHLEHEM, West Bank – Manger Square in Bethlehem was filled with joy as families came together to celebrate Christmas Eve. After a difficult period, the community welcomed the return of the traditional Christmas tree.
The city, important to Christians as the birthplace of Jesus, has faced challenges in recent years. Celebrations were limited, with displays reflecting the hardships in Gaza.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a leading Catholic figure in the region, began the celebrations with a procession, expressing hope for a brighter Christmas. He shared greetings from Christians in Gaza, who, despite facing devastation, are determined to rebuild.
“We all choose to be the light, and Bethlehem’s light shines for the world,” Pizzaballa told the gathered crowd.
While the holiday brought cheer, the effects of ongoing conflict are felt in Bethlehem. The city’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and many residents have been affected.
However, there are signs of recovery as tourism slowly begins to return. Residents expressed their happiness and hope for a return to normal life.
Georgette Jackaman, a local tour guide, described the day as a “day of joy, a day of hope, the start of things getting back to normal.” She and her husband, also a tour guide, created a website to sell Palestinian handicrafts during the difficult times, supporting those who had lost their jobs.
Despite a ceasefire, tensions remain in the West Bank. The Israeli military continues operations against what they call militants. Travel remains difficult for many, with checkpoints causing delays.
Irene Kirmiz, who grew up in Bethlehem, spoke of the emotional experience of seeing people celebrate peace and love.
Churches in Jerusalem had previously encouraged focusing on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and praying for peace in the region.
Across the Middle East, communities marked Christmas with resilience. In Nazareth, Israel, a traditional parade brought joy to children. In Syria, a church held Christmas Masses despite a past attack, showing the community’s strength and faith.
