Bethlehem, known as the "capital of Christmas," has witnessed a stark departure from its traditional festive atmosphere this year as the annual Christmas celebrations in Manger Square, usually bustling with thousands of tourists and pilgrims, have been cancelled due to the ongoing war in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem arrived in Bethlehem for the subdued Christmas Eve procession, marked by the absence of marching bands, concerts, and cheering crowds. Manger Square, devoid of Christmas lights and its iconic towering tree, now features nativity scenes adorned with rubble, reflecting the plight of Palestine.
The poignant connection between the biblical story of Jesus' birth and the current plight of Palestinians is underlined by Rev. Mitri Raheb, the president of Bethlehem's Dar Al-Kalima University.
He asserted that the Christmas story is a Palestinian story, drawing parallels between Mary's experience and the challenges faced by pregnant women in Gaza today.
Raheb underscores the resonance of displacement and killing in Gaza with the historical context of Jesus being born as a refugee.
More than 20,400 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in Gaza since the war began on Oct 7.
"While we cancel the celebrations, the Christmas story [has never] been as fresh and as meaningful as now," he added.