Holy Week in Jerusalem, difficulties for Palestinian Christians

(March 30, 2010) In Jerusalem, Palestinian Christians are facing a series of problems this Holy Week. They are being forced to go through a series of procedures to get to Jerusalem from Gaza and the West Bank. The Israeli government on Sunday decided to close the border with the West Bank for 9 days. It is only allowing access for humanitarian reasons, or to Christians who have permission to celebrate Easter in Jerusalem. It is almost impossible for Christians in Gaza to obtain permission. Because of the presence of many Jewish pilgrims and for fear of possible attacks, the entrance to the Temple Mount is still forbidden to men younger under 50.
This year, Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants will celebrate Easter on the same dates. According to figures provided by the airport authorities, this year there is an increase of 19% of travellers to and from Israel. The Council of Arab Orthodox have invited all Christians to come to Jerusalem, despite the prohibitions and restrictions of the occupying power. It has asked all the heads of Churches in Jerusalem to "uphold the rights and aspirations of their communities and to oppose Israel's discriminatory policy towards freedom of worship."