Bethlehem / PNN /

Amid the challenges of occupation and a harsh economic and social reality, the city of Bethlehem has emerged this year as a symbol of Palestinian steadfastness, with Christmas celebrations carrying a message of hope to the world.

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Qanawati said in a special interview with PNN that the Palestinian people are living as “one body and one pain,” noting that the past two years have been among the hardest Palestine has endured — not only for Gaza, but across all Palestinian areas, where suffering has been felt everywhere.

Qanawati described the events of this period as shocking and unprecedented in their scale of injustice and oppression, but stressed that Palestinians have insisted: “We may be dying in Gaza, but we must live in Bethlehem.”

He said Bethlehem’s message during Christmas is an essential one that must reach the world, pointing out that the lighting of the Christmas tree on Dec. 6 resonated globally and reached people’s hearts — something he described as vital for Palestinians in affirming the justice of their cause.

Qanawati added that this year’s city slogan, “Be enlightened, O Bethlehem, for your light has come,” was not merely celebratory, but a message of hope at a critical moment marked by growing talk of travel and emigration, which he described as the most dangerous threat in the history of the Palestinian cause. The aim, he said, was to inspire hope and encourage people to remain.

He explained that Bethlehem relies heavily on tourism, and its absence has driven many to consider emigration in search of livelihoods. “Bethlehem without its people cannot deliver its message,” he said, noting efforts to revive the tourism sector. He said 78 hotels have reopened, along with restaurants, shops and workshops, helping to stimulate the local economy.

Qanawati said the city is surrounded by 28 settlements and choked by 134 checkpoints and iron gates restricting movement. “If it were up to Palestinians, we would dismantle the separation wall and remove all obstacles,” he said, stressing, “We are determined to remain in our homeland and to deliver our message to the world,” and expressing confidence that the conscience of the world remains alive. He said that during visits to several countries, he witnessed broad popular support for Palestinians, justice and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He also spoke about efforts by the Bethlehem municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, led by the minister, to launch the “Yalla to Bethlehem” campaign, stressing that promotion covered the entire governorate, not just the city. He highlighted Bethlehem’s historic and religious sites, saying officials worked to promote the area locally, including among Palestinians inside Israel, and internationally.

Qanawati said the ministry organised tours for diplomats, including visits to the Church of the Nativity and the streets of the old city, sending a unified message that institutions are working hand in hand to strengthen the resilience of Bethlehem’s residents.

He said the work is ongoing to ensure that what is happening in Bethlehem and across Palestinian areas is clear to the world, stressing that their mission is to convey the full picture and not leave Palestinian citizens alone in the face of emigration pressures.

Qanawati said his meeting with Pope Francis included a detailed account of the hardships imposed by the occupation, settlements, iron gates and earth mounds. He described the response as sympathetic, noting that the pope’s message, read during the Christmas tree lighting, affirmed his support for the rights of the Palestinian people — Christians and Muslims alike — and reflected a broader alignment of just global leadership with the Palestinian cause.

He added that relations with the Vatican remain ongoing, with developments affecting Palestinians documented in reports and conveyed globally through media networks, with the aim of reaching political leaders’ hearts to achieve peace in the land of peace.

Qanawati also said his meeting with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, was recorded and documented, and included extensive discussion of settlement activity, Palestinian land issues, settlement maps, checkpoints and gates, the prisoners’ file, and UN Security Council Resolution 2234 condemning settlements. He said the goal was to convey the Palestinian narrative even to those with whom Palestinians disagree. He noted that the message from Bethlehem reached the ambassador, who later stated that the city is safe and encouraged people to visit — remarks that resonated widely in the United States.

Qanawati said Christmas markets and festive events helped boost the economy and bring joy to residents, especially children, adding that bringing happiness to children strengthens community resilience. He said the municipality initially hesitated out of concern for public reaction, but internal motivation prevailed to send messages to the world. He noted that about 6,000 positive messages were received following the decision to light the tree, reinforcing daily events and expanding Bethlehem’s global image.

He said the events also included calls for the release of imprisoned leader Marwan Barghouti, and highlighted the issue of prisoners and administrative detention, which he said violates human rights, particularly following the war of genocide in Gaza. “Any message from Bethlehem comes from the heart of every Palestinian,” he said.

In closing, Qanawati addressed Palestinians in Gaza and across Palestine, calling on them to participate in Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, and affirming the city’s readiness — with its hotels and streets — to welcome visitors.