- ‘Christians are steadfast on this holy land despite all conditions,’ Thaljieh says

BETHLEHEM/ISTANBUL

Christmas celebrations returned this year to Bethlehem’s historic Manger Square after a two-year absence, but the joy remains tempered by grief over the Israeli war in Gaza and restrictions in the occupied West Bank.

Standing in Manger Square, where the scent of incense mixed with drumbeats from scouting bands, Father Issa Thaljieh, a Greek Orthodox parish priest at the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, reflected on scenes the city had not witnessed for two years because of Israeli military measures and the wider fallout from the war in Gaza.

The return of celebrations to the square marked a rare moment of revival for the city after prolonged economic stagnation caused by Israeli military checkpoints and two years of violence since October 2023.

Scouting parades resumed, the Christmas tree was reinstalled and lit, and religious processions returned to the Church of the Nativity, creating what residents described as a collective attempt to reclaim a moment of joy amid harsh political and humanitarian realities.

“After two years of war and suffering, seeing Bethlehem experience this joy again truly feels like a real achievement,” Thaljieh told Anadolu.
He said the return of scouts to the square and the arrival of church leaders at the Church of the Nativity restored an atmosphere long awaited by the city’s residents.

Despite the festive scenes, Thaljieh said the celebrations carry deep sadness.

“Our joy today is mixed with sorrow,” he said. “The difficult conditions our people in Gaza are living through continue, and as Palestinians we still lack freedom, justice and human dignity in this holy land.”

He said prayers during the holiday season carry a message that extends beyond Bethlehem.

“Our prayers this Christmas rise from the place where Jesus was born, whose light spread to the whole world, in the hope that love, peace, security, dignity and freedom will prevail in Palestine,” he said, adding that the hope is shared by Palestinians of all faiths.

Bethlehem holds particular religious significance for Christians as the birthplace of Jesus and is home to the Church of the Nativity, built over a grotto traditionally believed to be where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The city normally draws large numbers of Christian pilgrims each December.

City under restrictions

Thaljieh compared the suffering of Palestinians today with the hardships surrounding the birth of Jesus.

“Two thousand years ago, with the birth of Christ on this land, there was real suffering and poverty, along with Roman occupation,” he said, citing historical accounts that describe violence against children in Bethlehem during that period.

“History repeats itself,” he said. “But our message is that we want life to return with peace, justice and security, not fear and siege.”

He said Bethlehem remains surrounded by separation barriers and military gates that restrict movement, worship and daily life.

“These walls tighten life for everyone,” Thaljieh said. “They limit freedom of worship and normal life.”

He added that insecurity has sharply reduced tourism, depriving the city of its primary economic lifeline and worsening economic hardship.

Endurance, hope

Despite the challenges, Thaljieh said the Christian presence in Palestine remains resilient.

“Christians are steadfast on this holy land despite all conditions,” he said.

“We celebrate our holidays, but there is a lump in the heart; the weight of occupation, difficult economic conditions and the sorrow of Gaza,” he added. “Still, we will remain standing until we live true freedom and just peace.”

He said seeing children celebrating in Manger Square offered a rare source of happiness.

“I am very happy when I see children joyful,” Thaljieh said. “This is the true joy we want for Bethlehem and for all of Palestine.”

He expressed hope that global attention would return to Bethlehem and that the city would once again become “a city of tourism and peace.”

Christmas tree

Bethlehem’s municipality erected the city’s Christmas tree in Manger Square for the first time in two years, describing the move as an attempt to restore life to a city whose tourism sector has been severely damaged by the war in Gaza.

City streets and historic alleys were decorated to welcome religious processions arriving from Jerusalem and other Palestinian cities, according to municipal officials.

Christian denominations following the Western calendar mark Christmas with midnight Mass on Dec. 24 - 25 at the Church of the Nativity, while churches using the Eastern calendar celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 71,000 people and wounded about 171,000, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities. The United Nations has estimated reconstruction costs at about $70 billion.

Since the war began in October 2023, Israeli forces and illegal settlers have intensified attacks across the West Bank, killing more than 1,100 Palestinians, wounding about 11,000 and arresting more than 21,000, according to Palestinian figures.