For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank – where Christians believe Jesus was born.
But after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided this year to return to its festivities, symbolized by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work, says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero.
The mayor acknowledges that the decision to resume celebrations was controversial, given the ongoing suffering in Gaza, where many have relatives in Bethlehem.
Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate, Mr. Canawati tells me. But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us.
Locals – both Christians and Muslims - posed for selfies in front of the tree adorned with red and gold baubles in Manger Square, joined by a handful of foreign tourists.
The streets now sparkle with colorful lights, and signs announcing Christmas bazaars and children's parties are everywhere.
We're very happy to have the tree and to see foreigners in Bethlehem, celebrating Christmas in its true spirit, says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun. This is where it all started, so we can send the message to the world about what Christmas should truly be about. If this year's celebration is peaceful, we hope it will convey a positive message worldwide.
Neighboring towns like Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also preparing to light their own Christmas trees shortly. Hotels, which have seen low occupancy for the last two years, are beginning to receive a wave of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel and some foreign visitors.
A Russian tourist named Angelica expressed the importance of visiting the Holy Land, stating, I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life. I hope many will return because it's sad without tourists here.
Despite the festive environment, many locals still struggle economically. Alaa Salameh, the owner of a family-run restaurant, remarked that many families can hardly afford basic food items, reflecting the tough circumstances under which they now celebrate.
In the cavernous grotto at the Nativity Church, visitors continue to light candles, marking the spot believed to be Jesus’s birthplace, demonstrating their hope for peace and the return of tourism to Bethlehem.
As tensions persist in the region, the people of Bethlehem are praying for peace and a return to the joyous celebrations that once flourished in their beloved city.
