1000’s of Christian trustworthy attended Palm Sunday celebrations at Jerusalem’s sacred Mount of Olives, marking the primary day of Holy Week as battle surges throughout the area.
Pilgrims waved branches and fronds within the air, objects that had been positioned earlier than Jesus’ ft as he was greeted by cheering crowds throughout his entrance into Jerusalem, in line with the Bible. Earlier Sunday, Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre — revered as the positioning of Jesus’s crucifixion — additionally held a service.
The annual celebration got here because the Israel-Hamas battle rages on in Gaza. Nonetheless, the battle appeared to have had little impact on the procession, which swelled to an analogous measurement as final 12 months.
“Though there may be battle, in my impression I don’t really feel any form of pressure,” mentioned David Manini, a pilgrim from Italy.
The celebration marks the start of essentially the most somber week within the Christian calendar, which marks Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter.
“I’m right here as a result of I like Jesus Christ,” mentioned Jennifer Weedon, who traveled kind america for the event.
For the reason that battle erupted, Israel has seen an enormous downturn in tourism. The battle started on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants from Gaza invaded southern Israel, killing 1,200 folks and taking 250 others hostage. Israel has responded with an air and floor battle that has left greater than 32,000 Palestinians useless, in line with the Well being Ministry within the Hamas-ruled territory.
One of many placards held by a pilgrim learn, “Save us lord. The Church of Saint Porphyrius and Holy Household Church, Gaza.”
In late October, Palestinian well being officers mentioned that an Israeli strike hit St. Porphyrios, a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza the place displaced Palestinians had been sheltering, killing 18 folks.
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