Holy Fire under fire: Jerusalem imposes strict restrictions over Easter

Diana Shevchenko
Diana Shevchenko Journalist
Holy Fire under fire: Jerusalem imposes strict restrictions over Easter
The Holy Fire under fire. Source: Israel Police
Due to the threat of missile strikes and Operation Roaring Lion, the Jerusalem police, in consultation with religious leaders, have taken an unprecedented decision: the ceremony on 11 April will be closed to the general public and will take place in a symbolic format

This has been reported by the Israeli police

Holy Fire: safety over tradition

Today, on Holy Saturday, Jerusalem was due to welcome tens of thousands of pilgrims, but the realities of war have forced a change of plans. The Israeli police have officially confirmed that the holy sites in the Old City will remain closed to the general public. The main aim is to protect the lives of worshippers amid ongoing shelling.

A symbolic ceremony

Following a morning meeting with Latin Catholic Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, it was agreed that the Descent of the Holy Fire ceremony would go ahead, but without the usual crowds. This decision was the result of a compromise between the right to freedom of worship and the need to protect people.

Rocket threat to holy sites

Law enforcement officials note that over the past two weeks, rocket debris has repeatedly fallen in the immediate vicinity of churches. The danger is ‘real and immediate’, making mass gatherings in the confined space of the Old City deadly risky.

Despite military restrictions, the Descent of the Holy Fire will remain the central event of the festival, although this year the light of hope will appear in Jerusalem in almost complete silence and under heightened security.

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