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Bethlehem, renowned as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, experiences an atypical calmness this Christmas, veiled by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Instead of the usual festive fervor, the city’s streets remain silent and bereft of the customary cheer.
To show solidarity with the Palestinian population during the intense conflict, local authorities took an unprecedented step by scaling back Christmas festivities, creating a somber atmosphere in the city.
The Gaza Strip’s devastation from the conflict, claiming over 20,000 Palestinian lives and displacing 85% of its population, profoundly impacts Bethlehem’s connection with Gaza. Festivities in the normally vibrant neighborhoods, adorned with decorations, have been canceled, including parades and religious celebrations. Notably absent is the towering Christmas tree in Manger Square.
Movement into Bethlehem, typically challenging due to the eight-kilometer distance from Jerusalem and imposed restrictions, has become even more arduous with the Israeli-built West Bank barrier and checkpoints.
The city’s economy, heavily reliant on pilgrims and tourism, suffers greatly as hotels, shops, and restaurants remain closed during what would have been a bustling festive season. This economic blow hits businesses hard, hoping for recovery from the pandemic’s hardships.
However, amidst adversity, a glimmer of hope persists as a few shops remain open, reflecting the resilience of the city’s spirit, aspiring for a brighter future. Even the historic Church of the Nativity, usually bustling with visitors, stands largely empty this year, with Father Spiridon Sammour expressing a collective yearning for peace during these challenging times.
Bethlehem’s residents hold onto hope, praying for peace not only in their homeland but also across the world. This Christmas, the sound of Church bells resonates with a shared wish for a more peaceful future.
