(SE): “After two years of silence,” said Maher Nicola Canawati, the mayor of Bethlehem, “we believe we have reignited the spirit of Christmas, because the people of Bethlehem needed hope—hope for a better tomorrow. And that is exactly what we have done, ” Vatican News reported
He explained that Bethlehem’s message is addressed not only to Palestinians but also to the entire world. “It is a message that the Palestinian people are ready for peace. The Palestinian people love life,” he said, adding that the city is once again prepared to welcome visitors. “Bethlehem is safe, hotels are open, and we are ready to receive everyone.”
Canawati also emphasised that the celebrations are shared by all Palestinians, regardless of religious affiliation. “It feels like a feast for all Palestinians, not only for Christians,” he said. “We are one people—Christians, Muslims, and Samaritans. We love each other, we love peace, and we are ready for justice, peace, and a lasting peace in our country.”
According to Vatican News, Celebrations resumed across the West Bank as a fragile truce held in the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands continue to face winter in makeshift tents and remain in urgent need of basic assistance.
Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, opened the Christmas celebrations in Jesus’ birthplace by making the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. He had recently returned from visiting the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza—the enclave’s only Catholic parish—where he conveyed the closeness and solidarity of the Catholic Church.
Upon his arrival in Manger Square, the Latin Patriarch said he brought greetings from Gaza’s small Christian community, which, he noted, is driven by a strong desire to rebuild. He also expressed hope for a Christmas marked by light.
Vatican News reported that the resumption of Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem is significant on multiple levels. The US-backed peace initiative which led to the ceasefire brings hope that Palestinians may advance reconstruction efforts. The renewed festivities also raised expectations for a gradual return to work among Bethlehem’s residents, as 85 per cent of local families rely directly or indirectly on tourism, a sector halted by the war.
Hotel owners and staff, shopkeepers selling religious articles, taxi drivers, restaurant owners, and tour guides have seen their livelihoods largely disappear over the past two years. Bethlehem has been among the hardest-hit cities in the West Bank, lacking a strong industrial base, significant commercial activity, agricultural capacity, and a large public-sector workforce.
Vatican News notes that these hardships are further intensified by wider issues in the West Bank, such as Israel’s withdrawal of entry permits for the majority of seasonal Palestinian workers to its territory and settlements, as well as the partial payment of salaries to employees of the Palestinian Authority.
Despite these hardships, the population continues to demonstrate resilience and hope. Canawati said the renewed celebrations are meant to restore hope after a prolonged period of hardship.
