The annual Easter celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem were marred by Israel’s increasing control over Palestinian movement, restricting pilgrims’ access to the holy city. This year’s ceremony saw only a small crowd and muted atmosphere, with many native worshippers absent due to the draconian permit system.
Generations of Palestinian Christians had traditionally traveled to Jerusalem for Easter, but since the war with Hamas broke out in 2023, permits have become almost impossible to obtain. The government announced issuing 6,000 permits, but Christian leaders claim only 4,000 were given, mostly to a few family members who applied.
The restrictions limit pilgrims from staying overnight and force them to return to the West Bank each evening, limiting their participation in festivities. In recent years, police brutality has increased, with Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims being beaten by Israeli forces.
Christian leaders describe the situation as a clear attempt by hardcore settler Zionists to “Judaise” the Old City of Jerusalem, making it unbearable for centuries-old Christian communities. Despite this, many see Easter as a time of hope and resilience, with Palestinian Christians viewing the celebration as both a national mandate and a religious mission.
As tensions escalate, Israeli authorities have failed to address concerns about religious intolerance and antichristian sentiment. The ultra-hardline national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has even justified spitting on Christians as an “old Jewish tradition”.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/18/jerusalem-christians-easter-israeli-crackdown-church-holy-sepulchre