Summary
During Holy Week, the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem is unusually quiet, with shops closed due to Israeli restrictions amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Christian leaders, including the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, faced limitations on accessing religious sites for important ceremonies.
Key Facts
- Holy Week is a significant time for Christians, marking events like Jesus' crucifixion.
- The Christian Quarter in Jerusalem's Old City has many closed shops and few visitors.
- Boulos, a local shopkeeper, continues operating with restrictions impacting his business.
- Israeli authorities closed businesses in the Palestinian Old City during the ongoing conflict.
- Normally, Christian processions occur, but this year Palm Sunday activities were restricted.
- The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and other church leaders faced entry blocks to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Israel cited safety concerns due to lack of bomb shelters in the area for the restrictions.
- International leaders from Italy, France, and the U.S. criticized Israel's actions.
