Bethlehem, a town heavily reliant on global visitors eager to witness the historic Church of the Nativity, finds itself deserted this Christmas season due to the recent surge in violence and war in the region. Typically bustling with activity during the holiday season, Bethlehem now faces a grim reality with empty hotels, abandoned restaurants, and closed souvenir shops.
Joey Canavati, owner of the Alexander Hotel and a Bethlehem resident for generations, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is the worst Christmas ever. Bethlehem is shut down for Christmas. No Christmas tree, no joy, no Christmas spirit.” The Alexander Hotel, which was fully booked for Christmas before October 7, is now left with empty rooms and a silent dining room as tourists have cancelled their plans amid the ongoing conflict.
The recent series of events, starting with Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, followed by Israel’s military assault on Gaza and an escalation of violence in the West Bank, has caused a ripple effect. Canavati lamented the numerous cancellations, noting that even reservations for the upcoming year have been called off.
Bethlehem’s Manger Square, usually a hub of Christmas celebrations in front of the Church of the Nativity, stands quiet and nearly empty. Souvenir shops, typically bustling with activity, are now shuttered, depicting the sombre atmosphere that has gripped the town.
Rony Tabash, a local store owner selling religious trinkets, emphasized the challenging two months without pilgrims or tourists. While keeping his store open as a gesture of hope, he yearns for a return to normalcy.
Similarly, Ala’a Salameh, owner of the falafel restaurant Afteem, shared that his business is operating at a fraction of its capacity, serving local Palestinian families instead of the usual influx of foreign visitors. Despite the challenges, Salameh keeps the restaurant open to provide work for his staff, expressing a collective desire for peace.
As the birthplace of peace, Bethlehem faces an unprecedented Christmas, with locals hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict, allowing the city to once again become a beacon of tranquillity and festive celebration.