Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the old city of Bethlehem in the West Bank was busy with visitors in the weeks leading up to Christmas.But for the last two years, hotels are empty or closed.No one is coming to the shops.A historic piece of woodwork inside the famous Church of the Nativity is being cleaned.However, not very many people will see how good it looks this year.Bethlehem, known from the Bible as the birthplace of Jesus, is inside an area of the Middle East controlled by Israel, known as the West Bank.Israel opened to visitors who have been vaccinated earlier in November, but not many people are coming to Bethlehem.In 2019, the city was busy with people visiting historic places such as the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square.Aladdin Subuh runs a shop near the square.He said he has no customers. He only opens the door to let in fresh air."For two years, no business," he said. "It's like dying slowly."
