As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas festivities with fervor and excitement, the birthplace of Jesus is witnessing an unusual silence and wearing a deserted look as tourists stay away from the city of Bethlehem amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
The hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank are empty, with global headlines dominating the violent conflict in the region since October 7. Bethlehem, located just south of Jerusalem, heavily depends on income and jobs generated by visitors from all over the world who come to see the Church of the Nativity, believed to stand on the site where Jesus was born.
Reflecting the city’s grim state, the artwork Nativity under the Rubble captures the desolate atmosphere in Manger Square near the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. The image serves as a stark reminder of the unprecedented circumstances faced by the city during this holiday season.
Speaking about the dire situation, Ali Thabet expressed his son’s disappointment, saying, My son asked me why there’s no Christmas tree this year, I don’t know how to explain it. Christmas has always been a time of celebration in Bethlehem, where locals and tourists alike used to come together to commemorate the birth of Jesus. However, this year has been particularly devastating for the city.
Joey Canavati, the owner of the Alexander Hotel, represents the plight of business owners in Bethlehem. He revealed the lack of guests, stating, We have no guests. Not one. Canavati described this as the worst Christmas ever, as Bethlehem is practically shut down for the holiday season. Prior to October 7, his hotel was fully booked for Christmas. Now, he is left searching for rooms elsewhere in town to accommodate the people he can no longer fit into his hotel due to the impact of the war.
The damage caused by the conflict is not limited to hotels; businesses across the city are suffering. A worried Tabash, who runs a shop his grandfather opened in 1927, lamented, Since three months, honestly, we don’t have one sale. I don’t want to keep my father at home. I don’t want to give up hope. The lack of sales and visitors has resulted in unprecedented hardships for merchants in Bethlehem.
Even the Church of the Nativity, typically bustling with crowds of hundreds, is devoid of visitors this year. The church, which holds great religious and historical significance, stands as a symbol of peace and devotion. However, the ongoing war has silenced its halls as people are unable to travel and participate in traditional Christmas rituals.
With each passing day, the economic impact of the war becomes more evident. Bethlehem, a city dependent on tourism, now faces an uncertain future. Christmas, usually a time of unity, joy, and celebration, has been marred by tragedy and despair. As the world rejoices, the birthplace of Jesus mourns, hoping for peace and a return to brighter days.
