"Normally, the holy season in Jerusalem sees tens of thousands of Christian pilgrims from far-flung countries congregate to retrace the last footsteps and torments of Jesus before his crucifixion. This year, in wartime, the Old City is eerily empty."
"Citing security issues, Israel closed the holy sites of all three major Abrahamic faiths in recent weeks. Al-Aqsa Mosque remains completely closed, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has limited access."
"Police have also forced all Old City stores to close, except essential food and grocery shops. Many Old City residents, three-quarters of whom are Palestinian, rely on the high season for their livelihoods."
The Austrian Pilgrim Hospice in Jerusalem's Old City is nearly empty during Holy Week, a time usually bustling with Christian pilgrims. Security issues have led to the closure of holy sites for all major Abrahamic faiths. This year, the hospice has only a few guests, with the receptionist noting that a last-minute reservation would leave one as the sole occupant. Police have closed Old City stores, impacting local livelihoods, while essential shops remain open nearby.
Read at The Washington Post
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]