For the first time in two years, the city of Bethlehem in the West Bank has reignited its Christmas festivities, bringing a glimmer of hope to a community that has faced significant economic challenges. The return of these celebrations comes as a beacon of optimism for local businesses and residents who have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict in the region and the subsequent downturn in tourism.
The Tabash family, who have operated a souvenir store in Bethlehem for nearly a century, are among those hoping for a brighter future. Rony Tabash, the third generation to manage the business, reflects on the hardships of recent years. “Even my father always tells me, ‘Rony, go open the shop,'” he shared, highlighting the resilience and determination that have kept the family business afloat since its inception in 1927.
Economic Struggles Amid Conflict
The economic landscape in Bethlehem has been bleak, with the war in Gaza casting a long shadow over the West Bank. This has led to a severe economic downturn, exacerbated by Israeli security measures that have restricted movement and access. The impact has been particularly pronounced during the Christmas season, a time when the city traditionally welcomes throngs of visitors eager to experience the birthplace of Jesus.
“It was really very difficult, because not just my shop … 80 percent of the population in Bethlehem depends on tourism and pilgrims,” Mr. Tabash explained, underscoring the city’s reliance on visitors for economic sustenance.
Lighting Up Hope
In early December, dignitaries gathered in Manger Square for the official lighting of the Christmas tree, a symbolic gesture aimed at reigniting hope within the community. Bethlehem’s mayor, Maher Canawati, emphasized the importance of this event. “This year, after two years of silence, we decided to reignite Christmas, to reignite the spirit that everybody needs here in town, in order to give them hope so they can continue staying in Bethlehem and not leaving,” he stated.
“We had a loss of approximately $US1.8 million a day in the industry of tourism. The unemployment rate jumped from 14 to 65 percent, poverty touched 60 percent, and 4,000 people left the city.” — Maher Canawati, Mayor of Bethlehem
Despite the challenges, Mr. Canawati remains optimistic about the future, expressing hope that the city’s fortunes will improve with divine intervention.
Barriers to Access
However, the path to recovery is not without obstacles. Bethlehem remains encircled by barriers, including the separation wall erected by Israel, which isolates the West Bank from Jerusalem. This physical division complicates travel for both locals and visitors, as checkpoints often result in lengthy detours and delays.
“All of these hardships are unfortunately normal for the Palestinians — to be held at checkpoints for hours, to be humiliated by kids with guns,” Mr. Canawati lamented, calling for the removal of these barriers to facilitate easier access to the city.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Beyond the economic implications, Bethlehem faces challenges in preserving its cultural and religious heritage. Historian Samir Qumsieh highlights a concerning trend: the dwindling Christian population in the region. “Back in 1950, Christians made up 86 percent of the population across Bethlehem and two other West Bank cities. Now, the Christian population is less than 12 percent,” he noted.
“This is a real problem to us.” — Samir Qumsieh, Bethlehem Historian
The Church of the Nativity, a central site for Christmas celebrations, remains a focal point for both locals and pilgrims. While the number of visitors has decreased in recent years, there is hope that the tide is turning, and the crowds will return.
Looking Forward
As Bethlehem navigates these challenges, there is a cautious optimism that the city will experience a revival. Businesses like Afteem, a culinary institution since the late 1940s, are hopeful for a “year of good and blessing,” as expressed by owner Saliba Afteem Salameh.
In the heart of Manger Square, Rony Tabash continues to welcome visitors to his shop, showcasing the intricate wood carvings that reflect the rich artisan tradition of the region. As a group of pilgrims entered, Mr. Tabash engaged them in conversation, embodying the spirit of hospitality and resilience that defines Bethlehem.
While challenges remain, the return of Christmas festivities signals a renewed sense of hope and determination for the people of Bethlehem, as they strive for a better future in the face of adversity.
