Bethlehem’s Christmas Tree Shines, But Economic Hardship Casts a Shadow
Bethlehem, West Bank – Bethlehem marked a symbolic moment of hope this week with the lighting of its Christmas tree, the first such event as the outbreak of the Gaza war following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023. However, the festive display is set against a backdrop of severe economic hardship gripping the city, heavily reliant on tourism.
While a few visitors, like Russian pilgrim Angelica, are still making the journey – ”I think everyone needs to come at least once in their life,” she said – the streets surrounding the historic Nativity Church remain largely empty.Angelica noted a silver lining to the decreased crowds: “The only thing that’s good is that you don’t have long lines – you can come and see more things. When I came before you had to wait in line for a few hours minimum.”
The absence of tourists is devastating for Bethlehem’s economy. “This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life,” laments Hamza, a local tour guide who, like many of his colleagues, currently finds himself largely idle.”We hope to have people coming back like before: from Europe, the Middle East, america, Latin American and everywhere. We start with the Christmas tree lighting, and we’ll wait.”
The economic strain extends far beyond the tourism sector. Unemployment in Bethlehem has skyrocketed in the past two years, exacerbated by Israel blocking tens of thousands of Palestinian laborers from the West Bank from entering Israel and its settlements for work after the October attacks.
Adding to the crisis, public servants within the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the West Bank, are receiving only partial salaries. The PA’s financial woes stem from Israel withholding approximately $1.76 billion in tax revenues, according to the UN’s trade and advancement agency.
Israel defends its actions by stating the funds are being withheld due to the PA’s payments to Palestinian prisoners, which it claims incentivize attacks on Israelis.The PA, facing international pressure for reform, asserts it has recently adjusted its welfare system.
Despite the challenges, the lighting of the christmas tree represents a determined effort to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope in Bethlehem, even as the city waits for the return of visitors and a more stable economic future.
