On Saturday 6 December Bethlehem experienced a moment of deep emotion, thousands of people gathered in the square to witness the rekindling of the Christmas tree, a simple yet meaningful gesture that marks the return of a deeply rooted tradition in the city that gave birth to the Savior.

After two years without decorations and with celebrations reduced to a minimum, as a sign of solidarity with the population of Gaza, Bethlehem has lit up again. It was a celebration awaited and felt by the entire community, Christians of every denomination, Muslims, families, children, scouts, diplomatic representatives and international journalists, all united in the desire to share a rare moment of joy.

Among those present were also the friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, including Fr. Rafael Tayem, parish priest of Bethlehem, and Fr. Francesco Ielpo, Custos of the Holy Land.

The joy of the returning light

For two years the city had renounced lights, the markets along Star Street and the lively atmosphere that traditionally accompanies the Christmas season. This year, however, the festive spirit has returned, a timid yet determined sign of hope and recovery.

The difficulties remain enormous. The ceasefire of 9 October has not produced the hoped-for results, neither on the humanitarian level nor on the economic one. The streets are still almost devoid of tourists, work and prospects are lacking, especially for young people and for parents who look to the future with concern.

And yet, celebrating Christmas in this joyful form rekindles hope in people. It restores the desire to be together, to find meaning even in the toughest trials, remembering that life continues and that the life-giving and peace-bringing power of the Lord, born right here, does not fail.

Lights, music, blessings and an exciting countdown

The ceremony was lively, rich in institutional speeches and musical and cultural moments. Among the international greetings was also that of Andrea Bocelli, present with a video message and a piece performed especially for the occasion. Also present in the square were the mayor of Assisi and the mayor of Bethlehem, Maher Nicola Canawati, who addressed a message to the citizens but also to the international representatives present. A request for peace, for hope for Bethlehem, Palestine and the whole world.

The scouts of the Holy Land opened the event with a parade through the square, followed by the performance of the Palestinian national anthem. Local artists and musicians then presented a video-musical performance entitled "From the Shadows of War, Peace Is Born", an anthem to resilience and the desire for peace.

After the joint blessing by the representatives of the different Christian Churches, Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian, the most awaited moment arrived, the countdown and the lighting of the Christmas tree, which now stands bright in Manger Square, symbol of a hope that, despite everything, continues to shine.

Jerusalem celebrates the return of Christmas decorations

After two years of darkness, Jerusalem has once again shone with the lights of Christmas. The students of the Terra Santa School and their families were once more able to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in a climate of shared joy, rediscovering the value of gathering together, Christians and Muslims, children and high-school students, around the symbols of the feast.

The event on Sunday 7 December, the traditional "Christmas Festival", enlivened the courtyard and the school spaces throughout the afternoon, refreshment stands, photo stands, music, performances by the students and, in conclusion, the long-awaited lighting of the tree placed on the roof of the institute, a culminating moment that brought everyone together under a single light.

This year too, the celebration saw the participation of numerous civic and religious authorities, among them the Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Tito Yllana, the auxiliary bishop Mons. William Shomali, the Italian consul in Jerusalem Domenico Bellato, as well as many friars of the Custody of the Holy Land, such as the Custodial Vicar Fr. Ulise Zarza and the Custos of the Holy Land Fr. Francesco Ielpo.

The Helen Keller choir: a moment of inclusion and beauty

Among the most moving performances of the afternoon was that of the students of the Helen Keller School of Beit Hanina, who offered those present a moment of great emotion through their Christmas songs performed as a choir.

The Helen Keller School, directed by Fr. Paulo Paulista, hosts about 600 students with various forms of disability, blindness, low vision, reduced hearing capacity, motor disabilities and other learning difficulties, and represents an essential point of reference for many families in Jerusalem and its surroundings. Their involvement in the Christmas Festival is not only an artistic contribution but a concrete message of inclusion, integration and appreciation of each student's abilities.

The students, accompanied by their teachers, prepared this short concert with care and dedication. Their voices, supported by the enthusiasm of the audience, transformed the courtyard of the Terra Santa School into a space of authentic communion. Every note conveyed the strength and determination of those who, despite difficulties, choose to participate fully in community life and to share talents and sensitivity.

The performance of the choir was greeted with a long applause and represented one of the most significant moments of the whole day, reminding everyone that Christmas is, above all, welcome and openness towards others.

A festival that unites the city

The celebration also saw numerous students of the Terra Santa School perform poetic monologues, musical performances and short shows, each contributing to create a mosaic of colors, sounds and emotions that filled the evening. For many students this event represents one of the most awaited opportunities of the year, a way to express their creativity and to regain a sense of normality and serenity.