The historic town of Bethlehem, which traditionally thrives with activity during the Christmas season, finds itself facing unprecedented challenges this year. The usual influx of tourists and pilgrims, drawn to Bethlehem's iconic Church of the Nativity, has sharply declined. The primary cause is the widespread coverage of recent events, notably the Hamas attacks in southern Israel, Israel's military response in Gaza, and a surge in violence in the West Bank, all of which have discouraged travelers.
Businesses in Bethlehem, heavily dependent on income from visitors, are bearing the brunt of this downturn. Joey Canavati, owner of the Alexander Hotel, expresses the severity of the situation, revealing the unprecedented lack of guests and a Christmas season devoid of its usual festive spirit. The Alexander Hotel, once fully booked for Christmas, now stands empty, with cancellations flooding in.
Manger Square, typically the vibrant heart of Christmas celebrations, wears a quiet and desolate demeanor. The usually bustling streets surrounding the Church of the Nativity, lined with souvenir shops, now stand shuttered. Rony Tabash, managing a family store selling religious artifacts, shares the frustration of operating without tourists for almost two months. His optimism in keeping the store open reflects a collective hope for a return to normalcy.
Ala'a Salameh, owner of the falafel restaurant Afteem, paints a similar picture of adversity. His business, usually catering to an international clientele, is now serving a mere fraction of its capacity, primarily attending to local Palestinian families. Salameh underscores the importance of providing employment for his staff, even under these challenging circumstances.
As the city is known for being the birthplace of peace, Bethlehem faces the irony of its current situation, praying for a return to tranquility. The symbolism of Bethlehem as a messenger for peace is contrasted with the current narrative of conflict and instability. Despite the challenges, business owners and residents are holding onto the hope that Bethlehem will once again be a beacon of peace, echoing its historical significance.
