Bethlehem 'Corona Sandwich' eases bite of tourism loss

When the pandemic left Bethlehem without visitors, Bannura needed a new source of income

Published: November 13, 2020 11:22 AFP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

1 of 10

When the coronavirus pandemic left Bethlehem without its hordes of visitors, tour guide Raed Bannura needed a new source of income. His plan, a sandwich shop, was hardly revolutionary and the ingredients of his signature dish - meat with onions and spices wrapped in a tortilla - were certainly not groundbreaking. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 10

But, when it came to marketing, Bannura has grabbed attention. "I have a special sandwich," he said. "I call it 'Corona sandwich.'" Bethlehem hosts the majestic Church of the Nativity, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was born. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 10

Before the pandemic, dozens of buses carrying pilgrims and other visitors would converge on the city each day from nearby Jerusalem. Now Bethlehem guides chase after the few remaining visitors, while craft stores and hotels have mostly closed. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 10

While tourism revenue was evaporating, Bannura said he had a brain-flash one day at "six o'clock in the morning." "I woke up my wife; I told her listen, I know what I'm gonna call this restaurant... Corona." Her first response was to call him crazy. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 10

"I told her, 'this name will spread as fast as the virus,'" Bannura said. Located in the shadow of the basilica, the small cafeteria is easily spotted by its huge red and yellow "Corona Sandwich" sign. Also on the menu is the "Covid-19 hot-dog", with a beef and lamb sausage. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 10

As to whether the name lacks sensitivity towards the devastation coronavirus has wrought, Bannura said: "I know that people die, that corona is a disease. "But there are people who also die from sugar or tobacco and we do not ban those words from our vocabulary," he said. "A philosopher once said that there is a hair's breadth between genius and stupidity...I still don't know on which side I am." Image Credit: AFP

7 of 10

Christmas is typically peak season for Bethlehem businesses, but many have lost hope of the traditional holiday boost. Ashraf Kawazba, frying falafel at the Abu Daoud restaurant, said that normally during Christmas holidays "everything is full and we work non-stop, but here it is dead." Image Credit: AFP

8 of 10

Bethlehem mayor Anton Salman said he was "not expecting anything," this Christmas season. "This year there is no tourism, no transportation, everything is frozen." Salman said that since the outbreak of coronavirus unemployment in his city of around 30,000 people had more than doubled - to 37 percent from around 15 percent. Image Credit: AFP

9 of 10

Bannura dreams of holding out until the tourists return, but does not intend to rename his restaurant even then. "I will keep the name," he said. "Because people will come here, they will say, 'I survived. I am proud, I am eating - and I am burying that 'corona'." Image Credit: AFP

10 of 10

Raed Bannura is pictured at his restaurant the "Corona Sandwich". When the coronavirus pandemic left Bethlehem without its hordes of visitors, Bannura needed a new source of income. Located in the shadow of the Church of Nativity basilica, his small cafeteria is easily spotted by its huge red and yellow "Corona Sandwich" sign. Image Credit: AFP

Photos News

Bethlehem 'Corona Sandwich' eases bite of tourism loss

More From Photos

US pauses bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah 'concerns'

Biden slams ‘ferocious’ rise in anti-Semitism amid Gaza protests

What’s in the three-phase ceasefire deal Hamas backs, but Israel does not?

Gaza is ‘choked off’ from aid since crossings shut, UN agencies say

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Bethlehem 'Corona Sandwich' eases bite of tourism loss

More From Photos

US pauses bomb shipment to Israel over Rafah 'concerns'

Biden slams ‘ferocious’ rise in anti-Semitism amid Gaza protests

What’s in the three-phase ceasefire deal Hamas backs, but Israel does not?

Gaza is ‘choked off’ from aid since crossings shut, UN agencies say

GULFNEWS SECTIONS