Palestinians mark Christmas in Bethlehem while navigating life during conflict

Bethlehem at Christmas: Life Under Occupation

Key Concepts:

• Checkpoints: Border crossings controlled by Israeli forces, impacting Palestinian movement and access to work/healthcare.
• Occupied West Bank: The Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967, impacting daily life and economic stability.
• Impact of Conflict: The detrimental effects of the Israel-Hamas war and prior conflicts (including COVID-19) on Bethlehem’s tourism and economy.
• Permits to Work in Israel: Required documentation for Palestinians to work within Israel, subject to revocation.
• Peritoneal Dialysis: A medical procedure providing kidney treatment, highlighting healthcare access challenges.

Christmas Celebrations Diminished by Conflict & Occupation

The report focuses on the drastically altered Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, traditionally a focal point for Christian pilgrims. Celebrations were cancelled for the past two years due to the Israel-Hamas war, and this year’s festivities are significantly subdued compared to pre-war levels. Before the war, Bethlehem received approximately 2.5 million visitors and pilgrims annually through the Church of the Nativity; this year, the number has plummeted to under 1,000. The number of buses arriving in Bethlehem has decreased from over 100 to less than a dozen. Many hotels, including a four-star establishment near Manger Square, are struggling or have closed.

The Daily Ordeal of Palestinian Commuters

The report centers on Ruba Mahdi, a nurse specializing in dialysis treatment at a Jerusalem hospital, and her daily commute from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. This five-mile journey is often fraught with anxiety due to Israeli checkpoints. Ruba has been making this commute for five years and routinely experiences delays, potentially arriving late for work. She describes the constant worry about potential searches of the bus, even in inclement weather.

Ruba recounts the story of a colleague who lost her work permit after posting on Facebook during the war, illustrating the vulnerability of Palestinians working in Israel. She acknowledges that this year feels “better” than previous years, but still falls short of pre-war normalcy.

Checkpoint Anxiety and Permit Control

The checkpoint process itself involves showing identification and special work permits. While Ruba’s passage was relatively smooth (taking approximately 20 minutes), the report highlights the unpredictability. Dr. Khadra Salameh at Augusta Victoria Hospital explains that patients undergoing cancer and kidney treatment frequently face delays or are even forbidden passage through checkpoints, requiring them to seek alternative routes. This unpredictability disrupts treatment schedules and adds stress to both patients and medical staff.

Economic Devastation and Dependence on Israeli Work

The economic impact of the conflict is severe. Joseph Giacaman, a woodcarver whose family has a long history in Bethlehem, reports a collapse in business, relying now primarily on local customers. Ashraf, a falafel chef, expresses a simple desire for the war to end.

Ruba Mahdi’s situation exemplifies the economic dependence on working in Israel. Her husband’s job in tourism has disappeared due to the lack of tourists, making her income essential for her family’s survival. Despite the challenges, she finds satisfaction in her work at the hospital, providing vital care to patients.

Mayor Canawati’s Perspective & Statistical Impact

Bethlehem’s Mayor, Maher Canawati, an American citizen, describes the situation as “catastrophic.” He reiterates the dramatic decline in tourism, from 2.5 million visitors pre-war to fewer than 1,000 annually. He expresses a sense of numbness from repeatedly detailing the war’s cost to Bethlehem.

Faith and Hope Amidst Hardship

Despite the difficulties, the report emphasizes the enduring faith and hope within the community. Father Asbed Balian, Superior of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Bethlehem, expresses optimism that the “spirit of Christmas” has returned this year after being diminished by the war and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ruba and her husband are raising their daughter, Rain, with love, faith, and hope, hoping she will grow up knowing the joy that still exists in the world.

Augusta Victoria Hospital & Healthcare Challenges

Augusta Victoria Hospital plays a crucial role in providing cancer and kidney treatment to Palestinians from the West Bank and, previously, Gaza. The hospital’s staff, including Ruba, are accustomed to the challenges of patient access due to checkpoint restrictions. Dr. Salameh details the constant uncertainty regarding patient arrivals, as they are subject to checkpoint regulations and potential denial of passage.

Logical Connections:

The report logically progresses from the broader context of diminished Christmas celebrations to the personal experiences of individuals impacted by the occupation and conflict. It then delves into the economic consequences, the challenges faced by healthcare providers, and finally, the enduring faith and hope of the community. The narrative seamlessly connects the macro-level impact of the war with the micro-level struggles of everyday life.

Notable Quote:

“I tell you, before the war, we had approximately 2.5 million visitors and pilgrims coming and coming through the Church of the Nativity. After the war, we haven't had more than 1,000 a year. That's a complete collapse. Definitely, it was. It was catastrophic.” – Maher Canawati, Mayor of Bethlehem, West Bank.

Conclusion:

The report paints a stark picture of Bethlehem’s current reality, where the joy of Christmas is overshadowed by the hardships of occupation, conflict, and economic devastation. While the spirit of faith and hope persists, the daily lives of Palestinians are significantly impacted by checkpoint restrictions, permit control, and the loss of economic opportunities. The story of Ruba Mahdi and the experiences shared by other residents and officials underscore the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and improved conditions for those living in the occupied West Bank.