Bethlehem Celebrates First Festive Christmas Since Gaza War

Bethlehem welcomed thousands of visitors to Manger Square on Christmas Eve, marking a significant return to festive celebrations. The event represented the city's first traditional holiday observance since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war. For the past two years, the city had cancelled official Christmas festivities in light of the ongoing conflict.

The return of the giant Christmas tree to the square on Wednesday symbolized this shift in atmosphere. While previous years featured somber displays reflecting the war's impact, this year brought a renewed sense of holiday spirit to the city considered the birthplace of Jesus. Visitors and local families gathered to witness the celebrations, signaling a notable change in the city's holiday observances.

Bethlehem experienced a notable shift in atmosphere on Christmas Eve as thousands of people flocked to Manger Square. The gathering marked the first festive Christmas celebration since the start of the Israel-Gaza war. Families and visitors heralded the event as a much-needed boost of holiday spirit after years of somber observances.

The return of the giant Christmas tree was a central feature of this year's celebrations. The tree had been absent during the war but returned to the square on Wednesday. This restoration of traditional holiday decor signaled a departure from the muted observances of previous years.

The city, where Christians believe Jesus was born, had cancelled Christmas celebrations for the past two years. Instead of festive gatherings, Manger Square had featured a nativity scene of baby Jesus surrounded by rubble and barbed wire. This display served as a homage to the situation in Gaza, reflecting the gravity of the conflict during those years.

Bethlehem holds deep religious significance as the traditional birthplace of Jesus, making its Christmas celebrations a focal point for Christians worldwide. The city's holiday observances are typically a major draw for pilgrims and tourists. However, the ongoing conflict in the region had necessitated the cancellation of these festivities for two consecutive years.

The decision to cancel celebrations was a reflection of the broader situation affecting the area. During those cancellations, the city opted for symbolic displays rather than traditional festivities. The nativity scene featuring barbed wire and rubble stood in stark contrast to the usual holiday decorations, serving as a visual reminder of the conflict's impact on the region.

The atmosphere in Manger Square this year was defined by the return of large-scale holiday decorations. The presence of the giant Christmas tree marked a visual return to the city's traditional holiday identity. This change was noted by the thousands of attendees who filled the square on Christmas Eve.

The event highlighted a collective desire for a return to normalcy and celebration. By reinstating the giant tree and hosting public gatherings, the city moved away from the somber tributes of the war years. The celebrations provided a platform for families to experience the holiday in its traditional form, focusing on the spiritual and cultural aspects of Christmas in the historic city.