In Jerusalem, a customary Good Friday procession took place amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, drawing noticeably thinner crowds than usual. The procession, which normally attracts thousands of foreign visitors, was primarily attended by Palestinian Christians along with a few foreigners living in Jerusalem and some undeterred tourists. Israeli police set up barricades along the Way of the Cross, or Via Dolorosa, where hundreds of pilgrims passed. The event was led by a group of Palestinian Arab scouts, with the final stations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and laid to rest.
The impact of the war was evident as the city’s streets were devoid of West Bank Palestinian Christians who typically flock to the Holy City for Easter festivities. Due to the ongoing conflict, Palestinian worshippers have required special permission to cross checkpoints into Jerusalem. Shopkeepers opened their doors for tourists seeking Catholic memorabilia, but few were interested in shopping. The atmosphere was somber compared to previous years, with many locals feeling a sense of unhappiness and concern due to the situation in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive.
An estimated 50,000 Christian Palestinians reside in the West Bank and Jerusalem, with approximately 1,300 in Gaza, according to the U.S. State Department’s international religious freedom report for 2022. Some Palestinian Christians are also citizens of Israel, while many live in diaspora communities. Despite the subdued mood, a few tourists, including a group of pilgrims from Spain, visited the country for a religious tour. Concerns about safety were alleviated by the understanding that Jerusalem is generally safe and that Christian people are not the primary target of violence in the region.
The Good Friday celebrations coincided with the third Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with worshippers gathering at the Al-Aqsa mosque for prayer. Despite fears of potential clashes at the mosque due to the ongoing war, the month had passed peacefully under tight Israeli security. Sister Harriet Kabaije, a pilgrim from Uganda living in a monastery in Jerusalem, expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, offering prayers for peace to return to the region. She emphasized that peace is attainable and highlighted the contrast between the current situation and the peaceful time when Jesus was in Bethlehem.
The traditional Good Friday procession in Jerusalem, normally a significant event attracting numerous international visitors, was marked by a somber mood and subdued attendance due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Palestinian Christians and a few tourists participated, with special permission required for worshippers from the West Bank to enter Jerusalem. Despite the challenges, efforts were made to maintain a sense of normalcy through the opening of shops and organized tours. Amid the celebrations, there was a strong sense of solidarity and prayers for peace in the region, with individuals like Sister Harriet Kabaije highlighting the importance of maintaining hope and faith in the midst of conflict.
