BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) - For the past two Christmases, John Juka's family restaurant mirrored the fate of many businesses in Bethlehem: shuttered and eerily empty. However, on a recent Saturday evening, the restaurant was bustling with families and illuminated by strings of red lights, signaling a hopeful change for the Palestinian city, which has struggled since the outbreak of war in Gaza.
As Christmas celebrations slowly return to the traditional birthplace of Jesus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a sense of cautious optimism permeates the air. While a fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza, Palestinians view these festivities as a step toward a more peaceful future for a region marred by tragedy. "It’s not like it was before the war, but it’s like life is coming back again," remarked Juka, a 30-year-old resident.
Tourism and religious pilgrimages have historically been vital to Bethlehem's economy, with about 80% of its Muslim-majority residents relying on this sector. Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati emphasizes the ripple effect of tourism: "When we have 10,000 visitors and pilgrims sleeping in Bethlehem, that means the butcher is working, the supermarket is working, and everybody is working." However, the enduring economic lifeline evaporated following the escalation of conflict after Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Bethlehem's authorities canceled major Christmas celebrations amid Israel's military retaliation in Gaza, which, according to the health ministry, has seen over 70,000 Palestinians killed.
The aftermath has been devastating for Bethlehem; the unemployment rate surged from 14% to 65%, and about 4,000 residents fled in search of work. A United Nations report highlighted that the West Bank is undergoing its most severe economic downturn on record due to ongoing military operations. Despite these challenges, Bethlehem's residents are eager for a comeback. "The decision we took was to reignite the spirit of Christmas and to reignite hope," stated Canawati, conveying a positive message to the world about the Palestinians' love for life and desire for peace.
As the Christmas festivities unfolded, crowds gathered to cheer during a peace prayer, lifting children onto their shoulders as the towering Christmas tree lit up Manger Square, located near the historically significant Church of the Nativity. For families like the Jukas, who struggled during the war to keep their businesses afloat, the sight of the bustling crowds was deeply reassuring after years of uncertainty. The family has operated their restaurant since 1979 and decided to reopen as ceasefire discussions began to gain traction. "Tourists finally feel safe to come back," added Juka, expressing hope for peace in the future.
Tourist visits to Bethlehem reached their highest levels since the war started in November, with hotel occupancy expected to hit around 70% during Christmas. However, most people attending the celebrations were local residents, as the foreign tourist presence remained limited, and the scale of the festivities fell short of traditions from previous years.
Despite the festive atmosphere, tension still overshadows the West Bank. Individuals like 29-year-old Issa Montas expressed frustration, noting the violence and military raids occurring nearby. Montas, whose commute from Ramallah to Bethlehem typically takes less than 20 miles, reported that it took him six hours due to military checkpoints affecting travel times. Furthermore, the frequency of Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank has risen sharply, with current incidents at their highest levels since data collection began in 2006. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed these aggressions as the actions of a "handful of extremists."
Montas voiced his concerns, stating, "I see a lot of violence, but no one can stop them, not even the Israeli army or police can control them." Despite these issues, he, like many, felt a glimmer of hope during the celebrations. "This (celebration) is not just for us. It’s for everyone: Christian, Jewish, Muslims. This Christmas is for everyone," he concluded.
