December 24th 2024.
On a quiet Christmas Eve in the town of Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, there was a somber mood due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The festive atmosphere that usually fills the West Bank during this time of year was noticeably absent. The streets were empty, the colorful lights and giant tree in Manger Square were missing, and the usual crowds of tourists were nowhere to be seen.
Instead of the usual lively marching band, Palestinian scouts marched silently through the streets. Security forces were on alert near the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. The cancellation of Christmas celebrations had a significant impact on the town's economy, as tourism accounts for 70% of Bethlehem's income, mostly during the Christmas season.
Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, acknowledged the disappointment of the empty streets and expressed hope for a better future. He addressed a small crowd gathered in Manger Square, which is usually packed with tens of thousands of people. Pizzaballa also held a special pre-Christmas Mass in Gaza City, where some of the Palestinian Christians have been displaced due to the war.
One of the displaced women, Najla Tarazi, expressed her sorrow for not being able to celebrate Christmas in her own home and visit Bethlehem like she usually would. She prayed for the war to end and for them to be able to return to their homes. Bethlehem, a significant city in the history of Christianity, is home to a small Christian population compared to the majority of the Holy Land's population.
The number of visitors to Bethlehem has drastically decreased in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge of violence in the West Bank. The strict restrictions and checkpoints have made it difficult for Palestinians to travel, affecting both their livelihoods and the Israeli economy. Since the start of the war in 2023, more than 800 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds of Israelis have lost their lives in militant attacks.
Despite the difficult times, there were still moments of joy and connection. In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral celebrated its first Christmas Eve Mass since the devastating fire in 2019. The recently reopened cathedral welcomed 2,000 worshippers and visitors from all over the world. In Syria, a large crowd gathered to witness the lighting of a towering Christmas tree, offering a rare moment of joy in a city that has been ravaged by war.
However, the holiday season was not without its challenges. A snowstorm in the Balkans caused travel disruptions, and a technical problem grounded American Airlines flights in the U.S. on Christmas Eve. But, there were also heartwarming reunions, like the arrival of the USS Cole at its home port in Virginia after seven months at sea and volunteers answering calls from children tracking Santa's journey with NORAD.
In Spain, volunteers from a faith-based ministry brought Christmas cheer to seafarers in the port of Barcelona, delivering Nativity scenes and local treats. Despite the difficult circumstances, there were still moments of hope and unity as people came together to celebrate the holiday season.
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