Bethlehem's empty streets tell story of changed holiday season
Once-bustling Bethlehem faces its second year without holiday cheer as tourists stay away from the historic birthplace of Jesus. Local businesses shut down while residents search for new homes abroad
The birth-place of Jesus looks different this winter - Bethlehems Manger Square stands quiet and shop-fronts remain dark for second year straight. The usual christmas-tree wont light up the square; its absence mirrors the citys mood
Tourism-dependent economy faces hard times as visitor numbers drop to near-zero (which hits local shop-owners particularly hard). Issa Thaljieh‚ an Orthodox priest at Nativity Church‚ explains: “We cant show joy when our cities face such times“
The cityʼs make-up changed a lot since mid-20th century: from being 85% Christian during British times to just one-tenth of 215‚000 people about 7 years ago. Now‚ the out-flow of people speeds up - both Christians and Muslims look for better life elsewhere. Alaa Afteem‚ who runs a small food place says: “My cousin just moved to Australia; everyone wants better chances for their kids“
Movement between West Bank cities becomes more difficult; checkpoints and security issues make daily life complex. The settlements grow fast‚ and about a year ago settlers got over 120‚000 new fire-arms for protection. Munther Isaac from Lutheran Church points to deeper worries: his church displays baby Jesus lying in rubble - a sign of current times
We feel that this war will never end
Local families face hard choice between staying in their home-town or moving abroad; the tourist-based economy doesnt work anymore. Travel between places like Bethlehem‚ Ramallah and Jericho gets harder each day
