"Bethlehem is sad this year"

"Bethlehem's Subdued Christmas"

The spirit of Christmas in Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, has taken a somber turn this year. Stuck in the grip of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the city's festive atmosphere has been overshadowed by the weight of the situation.

Pastor Munther Issak, whose church is a stone's throw from the Church of the Nativity, laments the sadness that engulfs Bethlehem. "The war in Gaza has left us all heavy-hearted and distressed," he says. The war sparked by the deadly attack in Israel on October 7 has devastated many lives and left a profound impact on the Christian communities in the region.

In the absence of the usual influx of tourists, the Old City of Bethlehem and its famous Church of the Nativity look starkly different. The grand Christmas tree that typically lights up the church during Advent is nowhere to be found. The decision not to decorate was made by the heads of the churches in Jerusalem due to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the midnight mass with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, is still scheduled to take place on Christmas night.

The war and the fear of its spread have created an economic crisis for many people in Bethlehem, particularly those who rely on tourism for their livelihood. Strict Israeli military roadblocks have limited access to the city, further exacerbating the situation.

Bethlehem's minority Christian population of about 1,000 individuals is the smallest in Gaza, home to around 2.2 million people, and Israel, with its Christian population of almost two million. The West Bank, with a Palestinian population of 3.2 million, has a slightly larger Christian community. The plight of Christians is most pronounced in Gaza, where Haitham Saba has seen his Christmas traditions upended.

While celebrating Christmas with his family was once a joyful occasion, filled with decorations, new clothes, and sweets in the Greek Orthodox Church, this year, Saba and his Muslim neighbors had to seek refuge in the church for protection from Israeli air strikes. In October, the church itself was reportedly hit by an Israeli airstrike, with the death toll of 18 people seeking shelter confirmed. The loss of life has been no less traumatic for Christians in Israel, with four fatalities reported on October 7, and 21 in Gaza since the war began.

In the face of the war's tragic consequences, there's a humble effort to bring some solace to Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land. In this subdued climate, the focus has shifted towards intimate gatherings that highlight the religious significance of the festival. The Old City of Jerusalem, ordinarily adorned with Christmas decorations and a festive crowd, has witnessed a quieter celebration this year.

Instead of the usual bustle, people are celebrating Christmas in small groups, according to Schnabel, the Benedictine monk of the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. "It's all about the religious aspect of Christmas, with the birth of Jesus Christ at the heart of it," he explains. While there's yet to be a decision on whether the church would have a tree for Christmas, concerts and religious services are being well-attended.

In keeping with their annual tradition, the monks at the Dormition Abbey plan to walk to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, carrying a scroll with names of well-wishers etched upon it. This year, for the first time, the scroll includes names of deceased individuals, both Christians, Muslims, and Jews, who have requested to be remembered. The naming campaign offers a measure of comfort to their grieving families.

Further Reading:

• Despite the Gaza war, the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem has opted for an installation commemorating the children who lost their lives from the rubble in Gaza as an alternative to the traditional Christmas tree.
• The region has faced criticism from the global community with concerns growing about the escalation of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the potential for it to affect other regions, including Bethlehem.
• The devastating consequences of the war in Gaza, including civilian casualties and economic hardship, have disproportionately affected the region's Christian communities, who form a small minority there.
• The ongoing conflict and the recent spike in settler violence have compounded the already precarious situation for Palestinians, including Christians, in the West Bank. These events have posed significant human rights concerns.

Source:

Enrichment Data:

The impact of the Gaza war on Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem underscores the complex terrain of the region's enduring conflicts. Here are the key points to reflect its broader implications:

1. Peace Process Initiatives and Ceasefire Prospects:
2. Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions remain high in the region, with renewed concerns over the peace process. Diplomatic efforts are underway to push for a meaningful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
3. Humanitarian Aid and Recovery:
4. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is currently undergoing recovery efforts after the ceasefire. Organizations like the World Food Programme are working to restore basic services and infrastructure, including food, water, and sanitation.
5. Economic Impact on Bethlehem and West Bank:
6. The ongoing conflict and the associated instability have further impacted the economic livelihood of families relying on the tourism industry, particularly in Bethlehem and the West Bank.
7. Settler Violence and Settlement Expansion:
8. Far-right extremist groups fostering violence against Palestinians have had consequences beyond the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The displacement of Palestinian communities due to settlement expansion has added to the region's tensions.
9. Human Rights Concerns and the Challenge of Peace:
10. As the cycle of violence and conflict persists, human rights concerns remain a focal point. The situation in the region calls for continued attention and efforts to find a broader solution to its anguished past.

Overall, the enrichment data highlights the multidimensional nature of the ongoing conflicts and their impact on various aspects of life in the region. From political instability and the humanitarian crisis to economic consequences and human rights concerns, the Gaza war continues to shape the fate of many in the Holy Land.