Today in Focus Why Bethlehem is celebrating Christmas again
Dec 23, 2025
Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor and director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, shares insights on Bethlehem celebrating Christmas for the first time in three years. He describes the city's transformation into a 'near-ghost city' due to tourism collapse and political barriers. Munther discusses his viral nativity scene depicting Gaza rubble, reactions from Christian communities, and the changing attitudes towards Gaza among Christians. Celebrating Christmas this year represents resilience and defiance amidst ongoing humanitarian crises.
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Bethlehem Is A Living Besieged Town
- Rev. Munther Isaac grew up in Beit Sahur near Bethlehem and describes it as a real, living community, not just a nativity story location.
- He calls modern Bethlehem a 'little besieged town' hemmed in by walls, settlements and restricted expansion.
Pilgrims Keep Bethlehem Alive
- Pilgrimage collapse since October 7th turned Bethlehem into a near-ghost city with empty hotels and streets.
- The town's identity is tied to pilgrims, so travel fear and checkpoints have devastated its life and economy.
Checkpoints Can Isolate Bethlehem Instantly
- Since October 7, the Israeli military added around 900 checkpoints across the West Bank, dozens near Bethlehem.
- Checkpoint closures can instantly isolate Bethlehem, causing hours-long waits and trapped travellers.