By: Wa'ad Al-Kar

BETHLEHEM, December 24, 2024 (WAFA) - Unlike previous years, the city of Bethlehem was not adorned with a Christmas tree or festive lights. Instead, it experienced a somber atmosphere in solidarity with Gaza, where innocent lives are being subjected to genocide in a scene that shakes the human conscience.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, is enduring difficult circumstances, like many other cities, towns, villages and refugee camps in Palestine, due to the ongoing Israeli attacks and crimes against the Palestinian people and the subsequent impact on daily life and the economy since October 7, 2023.

Bethlehem, celebrating Christmas this year in an atmosphere of sorrow, remains a witness to the suffering of Palestinians and their constant pursuit of peace. In every carol, tear, and candle, the message remained the same: Peace will remain the goal, and love is stronger than all oppression.

At Manger Square, in front of the Church of the Nativity, the attendance level was lower compared to previous years. There was no celebration in the traditional sense; instead, hearts were heavy with grief.

The usual decorations and the large Christmas tree that traditionally adorned Manger Square were absent, replaced by a deep sense of solidarity with the people of Gaza, as prayer circles were formed to pray for an end to the bloodshed and the achievement of justice.

The city's economy is suffering greatly, especially since it depends on tourism and the handicraft industry, both of which have been severely disrupted due to the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people. This has led to the suspension of many projects and the closure of establishments, contributing to an increase in poverty.

In these circumstances, which combined the sanctity of the occasion with the weight of sorrow, it was clear that Bethlehem remains a global symbol of love and peace. But this year, the message was deeper, as the city showed its solidarity with Gaza by minimizing festive displays and focusing on the spiritual aspect of the holiday.

The procession of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived in Bethlehem from occupied Jerusalem, as per the established status quo, to preside over the midnight Mass for Christmas according to the Western calendar.

Despite the harsh conditions, there was an official reception for the Patriarch at Manger Square, attended by several official and religious figures, as well as consuls, ambassadors and representatives of security and official institutions.

Upon his arrival, Cardinal Pizzaballa stated that this Christmas carries a message of love and peace, particularly at a time when there is an urgent need to end wars and establish justice and human dignity. He noted that for the second consecutive year, Bethlehem is experiencing a sorrowful Christmas, with shops closed and the city in mourning.

He mentioned that he visited Gaza yesterday, where he witnessed first-hand the widespread destruction, but at the same time, he acknowledged the strong will of the Palestinian people there, "who will not surrender to all the destruction and devastation."

Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized that the Palestinian people have no choice but to hold onto faith and hope for a better tomorrow, stressing that the “Palestinian people belong to the light, not the darkness.”

On the sidelines of the celebration, teacher Leila Shaheen spoke about her conflicting feelings between the spirit of the holiday and the sorrow over what was happening. She said, "On Christmas, we are used to the festive atmosphere, but how can we be happy while children in Gaza are being killed every day? Our presence here today is a prayer for them and for Palestine to return to being a land of peace."

Yousef Nasser, a small shop owner near the Church of the Nativity, said, "This Christmas is different. My shop used to be full of visitors and tourists during this time, but now the streets are nearly empty. My heart is with Gaza, but I came today to participate in the Mass and pray that this is the end of our sorrows."

Hanna Ibrahim, a young taxi driver in Bethlehem, said, "Here in Bethlehem, we live in the atmosphere of Christmas, but the bitterness in our hearts is great. We cannot separate our joy for Christmas from the pain that the Palestinian people in Gaza are enduring. We feel that prayer is the least we can offer."

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hani Hayek, expressed his hope that Christmas would bring a glimmer of hope to the Palestinian people, saying, "This Christmas comes under exceptional circumstances. Here in Bethlehem, we wanted to express our solidarity with Gaza, and that is why the decorations and public celebrations are absent. However, we are still trying to show the world that our people carry a message of peace and love, despite the pain."

Bethlehem’s Mayor, Anton Salman, spoke about his decision not to put up a Christmas tree this year, saying, "It was difficult for us to celebrate amid this tragedy. Bethlehem is not separate from Gaza, and we wanted to express the unity of all Palestinians. This Christmas, for us, is a prayer for the souls of the martyrs and hope that this injustice will end."

For his part, the Governor of Bethlehem, Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, confirmed that the situation in Bethlehem reflects the overall Palestinian reality, saying, "Here in Bethlehem, we live in the atmosphere of Christmas, but in our hearts, there is great sorrow. Our responsibility is to ensure the appropriate conditions for religious rites, but we know that bitterness is present in every home."

"Our message to the world is that the Palestinian people deserve a better life, free from wars and occupation."

T.R.