Cries from Bethlehem Amidst Conflict

"The situation is terrible; it's incredibly tough. Every day, new challenges arise. I've never experienced anything like this before; it's not just a war—it's the war," Tabash says, displaying deep concern.

Tabash, the owner of a shop selling religious articles in Bethlehem's Manger Square, had hoped to pay off his debts and recover economically after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he now faces a grim reality. The absence of pilgrims has devastated the local economy, affecting all sectors relying on religious tourism, from hotels and restaurants to olive wood craftsmanship and souvenir sales. Tabash underscores the crucial role of pilgrims in Bethlehem's Christian community and highlights how the absence of visitors has left many families "jobless and hopeless."

"There are no pilgrims; everything is empty, with no one in sight. They say it will last until Easter. I'm not only concerned about money and the economy; I don't even know how I'll make it to the end of the month. My worries extend to the future of Christian sites and Christian families," he laments.

Bombs Over Bethlehem

The owner of the religious souvenir shop also expresses concern for his family's safety and the citizens of Bethlehem during his conversation with ACN. "These days, there are bombs in the sky over Bethlehem, causing fear in children. My kids don't want to be away from our side," he shares.

Tabash also highlights the additional difficulties faced by those who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of pilgrims in the West Bank for an extended period, sought work in Jerusalem. Now, the checkpoints are closed, and entry permits for Palestinians are blocked.

The few with dual nationality are leaving their homeland due to hopelessness. Tabash laments, "A friend of mine who had a small bus business is leaving the Holy Land this weekend." However, most lack this option. Some, like Tabash, choose to stay despite the opportunity to leave. He asserts, "I open my shop every day, and I go to the square in front of the Basilica of the Nativity. People ask me why I'm doing it; I'm the only one with an open shop. My only sustenance is faith; without faith, I couldn't continue, not even for a minute. We've lost hope; faith is all that remains."

A Sacred Place for All

"I can't leave this; I can't leave my father," Tabash affirms. "Our family has owned this shop since 1927 when we began renting space from the Armenian Church. My father tells me, 'Have faith; Bethlehem is a sacred place; it won't be harmed.' Yes, I'll stay because it's a sacred place; we're living where Jesus was born; we can't leave. If not for that, I'd leave instantly."

"As a Christian Palestinian, my mission is to be here, despite facing new challenges every day. The war must end. We're exhausted; we want peace—for our children and our families," Tabash asserts.

During the interview with the pontifical foundation, he issues an international appeal for the preservation of the sacred place of Jesus's birth. "Is this place sacred only to me, my family, and us Palestinians in the West Bank? Isn't it a sacred place for all Christians worldwide?" he asks. "Many desire to come to the Holy Land, and it's time to support us, to be present in these holy places," he states firmly.

Recognizing travel restrictions and regional danger, Tabash understands that physical visits may be challenging. He urges people to be present in other ways: "Come with your prayers, come with your actions for peace, come by defending the integrity of these places. Silence frightens me. Come, support Christian families in the Holy Land."