Christians in Bethlehem Refrain from Christmas Tree Decorations and Lights Due to War

Christians in Bethlehem have refrained from decorating Christmas trees and lighting due to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Every year, Christian countries decorate Christmas trees for the Christmas celebration, and streets, homes, and even roadside trees are illuminated, with these grand ceremonies conducted amidst considerable joy.

On the eve of the current year, the world has witnessed clashes between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with two consecutive months having passed since the start of this war. Bethlehem, located near Jerusalem in the West Bank, has seen its Christian residents decide to refrain from decorating Christmas trees and illuminating their homes and streets due to the current conflict and the deaths and imprisonment of many people.

Every year in the early days of December, church leaders in Bethlehem gather and make the necessary arrangements to decorate the city’s streets and squares to mark a new season of prayers and celebrations before the birth of Jesus Christ, as these ceremonies are considered one of the most important tourist attractions. However, this year, due to the war between Israel and Hamas, all the city’s streets and squares are empty and dark.

Ibrahim Faltas, one of the senior spiritual leaders, said in front of the Church of Jesus Christ: “We have never seen Bethlehem like this, even during COVID. The city is empty and sad. Today was supposed to be a day of joy, but Palestinians are suffering because of the many children, women, elderly, and people who have been martyred in this senseless war. For this reason, for the first time in the memory of many residents and Christians of Bethlehem, no Christmas tree has been erected in the Square of the Nativity this year.”