Christmas in Bethlehem: A Somber Reflection of the Ongoing Conflict
This year, the Manger Square in Bethlehem is devoid of its usual festive atmosphere. Instead of a giant Christmas tree, the square is surrounded by a handful of vendors selling hot corn on the cob, coffee, and tea. The streets are empty, and the few tourists who have made the trip are mostly journalists.
A City in Economic Crisis
The decision by the Bethlehem city council to cancel Christmas celebrations this year is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict. The war, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel last year, has left thousands dead and injured, and has had a crippling effect on the local economy. The Palestinian economy shrank by 25 percent last year, and the unemployment rate in Bethlehem is approximately 50 percent.
The tourism industry, which accounts for 70 percent of the city’s annual income, has been particularly hard hit. The streets and stores are empty, and the more than 5,000 hotels in Bethlehem are practically empty. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the city welcomed around two million tourists each year. This year, fewer than 100,000 have registered.
A Community in Crisis
The impact of the conflict is not just economic; it is also taking a toll on the community. Christians, who make up a small percentage of the population in both Israel and the Palestinian territories, are struggling to maintain their traditions and way of life. The few visitors who do make it to Bethlehem are mostly journalists and a handful of tourists, including a group of Filipino workers who have come to visit the Church of the Nativity.
The Palestinian authorities and the merchants’ union are concerned not just about the present, but also about the future. Crafts, such as carved wooden nativity scenes and rosaries, are struggling to survive without tourism. Local young people are abandoning these traditional activities, and many families are leaving Bethlehem in search of better opportunities.
A Somber Christmas
This Christmas, the city of Bethlehem is a somber reflection of the ongoing conflict. The streets are empty, the hotels are empty, and the few tourists who have made the trip are mostly journalists. The city’s economy is in crisis, and the community is struggling to maintain its traditions and way of life. As one vendor noted, “Last year was bad, but not as bad as this one.” The future looks uncertain, and the city can only hope that next year will bring better times.