In Bethlehem, despair dulls Christmas as nativity scene depicts Gaza

Ahmad Melhem

Dec 16, 2023

Bethlehem nativity — A nativity scene depicts a baby Jesus surrounded by rubble in Bethlehem's Evangelical Lutheran Church in the occupied West Bank on Dec. 6, 2023. — HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images

RAMALLAH, West Bank — In early December each year, Christmas trees and decorations go up in Bethlehem, where Christians place the birth of Jesus Christ. Merchants place their trees in front of their stores, the streets are decorated and a giant Christmas tree draws crowds outside Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

But this year, there are almost no Christmas festivities in the city as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.

Bethlehem's usually bustling streets are empty of tourists and worshippers. Last month, the Bethlehem municipality and Jordan’s Council of Churches announced their decision to limit Christmas celebrations in the city to religious ceremonies and other church services.

Bethlehem resident Tia Nassar, 25, had participated every year in the tree-lighting ceremony at Manger Square with her family and friends. This year is different, she told Al-Monitor. Not only are the celebrations canceled, but throughout the city, hearts are saddened by the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, leaving no room for joy.