Bethlehem's Christian Population Drops to 10%, Sparking Debate Over Causes

Bethlehem, the revered birthplace of Jesus, has witnessed a dramatic decline in its Christian population, with recent figures indicating a drop to less than 10% of its residents. This significant demographic shift, particularly since the Palestinian Authority (PA) assumed control in 1995, has ignited discussions regarding its underlying causes and implications.

A recent social media post by user Vivid.🇮🇱 highlighted the stark change, stating, "Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, was over 80% Christian under Israeli control. In 1995, the Palestinian Authority took over. After 30 years, Bethlehem is now less than 10% Christian. This is what ethnic cleansing looks like." This accusation underscores the deep concerns surrounding the community's future.

Historical data confirms a substantial decrease; in 1950, Christians constituted 86% of Bethlehem and its surrounding villages. By 2016, this figure had fallen to 12%, according to then-Bethlehem mayor Vera Baboun, a Catholic. A 2017 census further reported the Christian population at only 10% of the city's residents.

The reasons behind this exodus are complex and subject to varied interpretations. Many Palestinian Christians, as well as analysts, point to the broader difficulties of living in the Palestinian territories, including economic hardship, high unemployment rates (reaching 27% in Bethlehem), and limited opportunities. The Israeli occupation, with its checkpoints and the separation barrier, is frequently cited as a primary factor impacting livelihoods and freedom of movement for all Palestinians, including Christians.

However, some reports, including studies by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) and the Gatestone Institute, suggest that actions by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have contributed to the decline. These reports allege systematic land confiscations, discrimination in employment, and instances of harassment or coercion against Christians. Samir Qumsiyeh, a prominent Christian businessman, documented over 160 incidents of attacks on Christians by Muslims attempting to displace them in 2007.

Other local Christian voices, such as shop owner Nabil Giacaman, contend that the challenges are not primarily religious discrimination but rather shared by both Christians and Muslims facing the realities of life under occupation. "It's not about Christians and Muslims, it's not that I'm facing these issues only because I'm a Christian," Giacaman stated, emphasizing a common Palestinian struggle. The lower birth rate among Christians compared to Muslims is also a contributing demographic factor.

Despite the differing perspectives on causation, there is a consensus that the Christian community in Bethlehem and the wider West Bank is under immense pressure. The ongoing emigration of young, educated Christians seeking better prospects abroad continues to reshape the demographic landscape of the historic city.