Bethlehem, a city known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations and the birthplace of Jesus, has decided to cancel all Christmas festivities this year in a gesture of solidarity with the people of Gaza in the West Bank.
In place of the usual Christmas tree in Manger Square, the municipality of Bethlehem has organised an art installation titled “Nativity under the Rubble.” The inauguration took place on Saturday night, with Rula Maayah, the Palestinian Minister of Tourism, and Hana Hananiyeh, the Mayor of Bethlehem, leading the event.
The artwork portrays the nativity scene set among the remains of a demolished building, serving as a poignant symbol of the challenges and hardships faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Minister Rula Maayah conveyed a powerful message during the event, stating: “This is a message to the whole world that the whole world is celebrating Christmas, but not Bethlehem. Bethlehem this year is celebrating Christmas in a different way with a message to the whole world that Palestine is suffering. That Bethlehem is suffering. That Bethlehem is celebrating Christmas from the rubble. Not like all other people in the world.”
Mayor Hana Hananiyeh drew parallels between the nativity story and the current situation in Gaza, highlighting the forced displacement of Palestinian families by the Israeli occupation, and drawing a connection to the Holy Family’s escape from King Herod’s decree.
Hananiyeh called on the international community to intervene and address the injustices faced by Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
The backdrop to these events is the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated when Hamas gunmen crossed the border on October 7, resulting in the death of around 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 240 hostages.
Health officials in Gaza report that more than 20,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 53,000 have been wounded in Israel’s campaign to dismantle Hamas.
Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israel has committed to continuing the fight until Hamas is eliminated from power in Gaza, and all hostages are freed.
