In Palestine, the Christmas spirit is overshadowed by the ongoing war in Gaza, silencing streets that would typically be alive with festive cheer. Public celebrations have been canceled for a second consecutive year, and local Christians are marking the season through religious services and family gatherings instead of community events.
At the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, a poignant display shows baby Jesus lying atop a pile of rubble, symbolizing the devastation in Gaza. Reverend Dr. Munther Isaac, a local Lutheran pastor, condemned the global silence in his sermon, expressing anger at the ongoing violence. “It’s hard to believe another Christmas has come, and the genocide continues,” he said.
Tourism, once a critical economic driver in Palestine, has come to a standstill. Tour guides wait in vain for visitors, and souvenir shops remain closed. "If there are no tourists, there is no life," says Abdullah, a tour guide. Economic despair is widespread, with many families struggling as job opportunities disappear.
Palestinian Christians are deeply affected by the crisis in Gaza, where many have family members enduring bombings, food shortages, and constant fear. Dr. Yousef Khouri, a theologian from Gaza, describes the plight of his relatives: “They are sheltering in churches, facing starvation and sleep deprivation under the drones.”
Despite the challenges, local community groups like the Palestine Lions Club strive to bring hope. Volunteers distribute food parcels and financial aid to those in need. "Christmas is the spirit of giving and love," says Wael Shaer, the club's head. "We hope to bring joy to the families who need it."
As Palestine faces an uncertain future, its residents are finding resilience in acts of kindness and solidarity, keeping alive the true meaning of Christmas in the face of hardship.