Bethlehem’s Christians Face Economic Crisis as Tourism Deteriorates Amid Iran War and Gaza Conflict

Bethlehem’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the city’s economy, has faced severe decline in recent months. Elias Hazin, co-owner of the Bethlehem Star Tours & Travel agency, reported that the usual pre-Easter surge in pilgrim bookings has been replaced by cancellations. The tourism industry, which has been struggling since the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, now faces an even greater threat from the Iran war. Estimates suggest Bethlehem was losing around $2.5 million daily in tourism revenue in mid-2025, with unemployment reaching 31%.

The impact of the conflict has been widespread, with almost every tourist hotel, restaurant, and souvenir shop in Bethlehem closed. Hazin noted that the economic strain affects the entire community, as residents who rely on tourism for their livelihoods are now forced to prioritize basic necessities. Anton Salman, a former mayor of Bethlehem, highlighted that over half of the city’s 30,000 Christians work in the tourism sector, which has traditionally accounted for 70% of the local economy. The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas during the October 2025 holiday season brought some relief, but the Iran war and flight cancellations have since deterred tourists.

Salman observed a growing exodus of residents, both Christian and Muslim, from the Bethlehem area. “They left because of a lack of security and a lack of work,” he said. “They left in search of a better life and better opportunities.” This trend is particularly challenging for the small Christian community, which makes up just 1% of the West Bank’s population. “We are fewer in number, so we feel the loss acutely,” Salman added.

Hazin’s business, which once employed three people, now operates with just one employee, whom he pays from his own pocket. The remaining business focuses on outbound travel for Christians in the West Bank seeking opportunities abroad. “They want to secure a good lifestyle for themselves and their children,” he said. The situation reflects a broader crisis, as the community grapples with economic hardship and the uncertain future of their religious and cultural heritage.

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