Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem and Nazareth: A Tale of Two Cities
This Christmas season, both Bethlehem and Nazareth, two significant cities for Christians, marked the holiday, but their celebrations offered contrasting experiences.
In Nazareth, the festivities were vibrant and confident, reflecting a growing Christian community living in Israel. In Bethlehem, however, celebrations resumed this year after being disrupted for two years, yet they were overshadowed by a continuing decline in the local Christian population and worries within the community.
Elias Zarina, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy, highlighted alarming statistics: in 1950, Christians made up 86% of Bethlehem’s population, but by the last count in 2017, that number had dropped to about 10%. The situation has worsened since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, with at least 142 Christian families leaving the area.
A Clear Divide
Josh Reinstein, director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, presented a contrasting view of Nazareth, describing the community there as “prospering” under Israeli governance. He noted that while Christians comprise about 2% of Israel’s population, they have the highest GDP per capita compared to other groups, and enjoy respect and protection.
Reinstein pointed out the significant changes in Bethlehem since the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, stating that after years of political shifts, the Christian population has drastically shrunk and is no longer represented in local government.
Mixed Feelings in Bethlehem
Despite the joy in Bethlehem’s Manger Square with crowds gathering, tree lighting, and church services, Zarina cautioned that the return of Christmas events this year was largely a strategic move by the Palestinian Authority. He explained that these efforts are meant to present a moderate image to the international community, especially amid ongoing discussions about Gaza’s future.
Zarina noted that before Christmas, there were several incidents targeting Christians, including threats to churches and violence linked to land issues. He asserted that Christians are facing systematic harassment and a lack of protection from the Palestinian Authority.
Unfortunately, recent attacks in areas under Palestinian Authority control, including a church firebombed in Jenin, have further raised concerns about safety for Christians. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has warned about increasing hostility toward Christians in these areas.
Contrasting Narratives
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his Christmas message, stressed that Israel is a safe haven for Christians, highlighting their rights to practice their faith openly without fear.
While some Christian leaders in Bethlehem see improvements, others fear repercussions for speaking out about the challenges faced by Christians in the area. Despite recent statistics that show a slight increase in the Christian population in Israel, many in Bethlehem remain cautious.
As both cities lit up for Christmas, the differing realities serve as a reminder of the broader challenges facing Christians in their historic homeland. The hope now is that international focus on these communities will continue beyond the holiday season, ensuring their protection and future.
