Urgent Update: Christmas Spirit Dwindles in Taybeh Amid Violence

UPDATE: The Christmas spirit is fading fast in the small Christian village of Taybeh, as residents face escalating violence and daily hardships. Madees Khoury, a prominent Palestinian brewer, reports that the mood is mournful and somber. “People are very sad and broken inside. They don’t have the spirit to celebrate,” Khoury reveals, underscoring the grave situation.

In Taybeh, one of the world’s oldest Christian communities, the festive decorations at Khoury’s family microbrewery starkly contrast with the overarching despair. “We’re not lighting the Christmas tree out of respect for the martyrs who were killed,” she adds. The village, home to around 1,000 residents, has experienced a sharp increase in violence, with more than 1,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since early October.

The violence surged after the October 7 attack, which prompted a severe response from Israeli authorities. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, has armed settlers, leading to a wave of attacks on Palestinian communities. Khoury describes the daily reality for Taybeh residents: “They burn cars, block us from our olive groves, and drive into the village trying to provoke people.”

The situation has deteriorated further with settlers targeting vital resources. The water spring that supplies Taybeh and 14 other towns has suffered multiple attacks, disrupting access to water—a critical resource for both survival and the brewery. “We’re one of the most water-efficient breweries in the world because we’re forced to be,” Khoury states emphatically, highlighting the dire circumstances.

As the ongoing conflict escalates, the economic impact is severe. “Over 200,000 Palestinians who used to work in Israel are now unemployed,” Khoury notes, reflecting on the broader economic crisis. Taybeh Brewery, emblematic of local resilience, has seen a staggering 70% drop in beer sales. “Beer in Palestine is considered a luxury product. People don’t have the money anymore to spend on beer or to have fun,” Khoury explains.

The war in Gaza has also decimated tourism and community events, stripping away any semblance of celebration. “There’s no tourism, no parties, no events, no festivities,” she laments. The challenges extend to exporting products, with increased charges and bureaucratic hurdles due to ongoing tensions. “Sending beer to [Haifa] port should take an hour and a half — for us it takes three days,” Khoury stresses.

The brewing community is now calling for international support, urging the global community to amplify their voices. “The next best thing is to hurt them economically — through boycotts, sanctions, and divestment,” Khoury states, as she emphasizes the importance of solidarity.

As Taybeh navigates this challenging landscape, the festive season looms with a stark reality for its residents. “We’ve been getting settler attacks almost daily since July,” Khoury warns, signaling the urgent need for awareness and action from the international community.

This Christmas, the people of Taybeh are not just fighting for their traditions; they are fighting for survival. The world must witness their plight.