Attallah Tarazi, a 76-year-old Palestinian Christian, received Christmas presents that included socks and a scarf, allowing him to feel the warmth of the holiday despite the devastation in Gaza. Along with fellow Christians, he joined in singing hymns, celebrating the spirit of Christmas amidst the turmoil of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In their song, they proclaimed, “Christ is born, Hallelujah,” trying to capture the essence of the season despite their challenging circumstances.
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has offered some respite from the violence, yet the impact of the war—including significant losses and the struggles faced by displaced individuals—has dampened traditional festivities. Tarazi emphasized that their joy over Christ’s birth should transcend the bitterness of their experiences. He has been living for over two years in the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza, which has served as a refuge for many displaced people.
For Shadi Abo Dowd, another member of the Christian community, this Christmas is marked by immense grief as it is his first without his mother, who lost her life in an Israeli attack in July. He recalls the trauma of the incident, which also injured his son and the parish priest. Abo Dowd, an Orthodox Christian who celebrates Christmas on January 7, expressed his intention to limit his celebrations to religious rituals, stating that “there’s no feast” due to the ongoing suffering and the “state of no peace and no war.”
Despite a decrease in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire in October, sporadic attacks have continued, leaving the communities in a precarious situation. The conflict, which escalated when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in nearly 71,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The mental and physical toll of the war has further complicated the social fabric of Gaza, particularly affecting the Christian minority.
Wafa Emad ElSayegh, a 23-year-old Christian, shared that the absence of many relatives and friends who fled Gaza has turned Christmas into a bittersweet experience. Celebrating at the Greek Orthodox church compound, he lamented the loss of togetherness and joyful traditions that once brought the community together. He described a deep nostalgia for the family gatherings and festive spirit that have diminished in the current climate of fear and loss.
Elynour Amash, a 35-year-old mother, is striving to create a semblance of Christmas cheer for her children through decorations and traditions. She noted that small joys, such as sweets and treats that have returned to their lives, provide brief moments of happiness despite the overarching fear and trauma they endure. The sounds of war continue to echo in their daily lives, leaving lasting impacts on her children.
Throughout these challenges, the determination to maintain a Christian presence in Gaza remains strong. Tarazi is resolute in his commitment to stay, even after losing family members in the conflict. He prays for peace and freedom for the Palestinian people, asserting that their faith and joy can prevail over their devastating circumstances.
As Christmas approaches, the community grapples with grief and nostalgia, but they also find strength in their faith and shared resilience. In the face of adversity, they cling to the hope that the spirit of the season can offer solace and a reason to celebrate amidst the ongoing challenges.
