Global Courant
JERUSALEM — Thousands of Christian worshipers attended Palm Sunday celebrations on the holy Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, marking the first day of Holy Week as conflict intensifies in the region.
Pilgrims waved branches and leaves in the air, objects placed at Jesus’ feet as he was greeted by cheering crowds during his entry into Jerusalem, according to the Bible. Earlier Sunday, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem – revered as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion – also held a service.
The annual celebration took place as the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continued. However, the conflict seemed to have had little effect on the procession, which grew to a similar size to last year.
“Although there is war, in my opinion I don’t feel any tension,” said David Manini, a pilgrim from Italy.
The celebration marks the start of the gloomiest week on the Christian calendar, which marks the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and his resurrection at Easter.
“I’m here because I love Jesus Christ,” said Jennifer Weedon, who traveled from the United States for the occasion.
Since the outbreak of war, Israel has seen a massive decline in tourism. The war began on October 7, when Hamas militants from Gaza invaded southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. Israel has responded with an air and ground war that has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians in the Hamas-ruled area, according to the Health Ministry.
One of the placards held by a pilgrim read: “Save us Lord. The Church of Saint Porphyry and the Church of the Holy Family, Gaza.”
In late October, Palestinian health officials said an Israeli strike hit St. Porphyrios, a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza where displaced Palestinians were sheltering, killing 18 people.
Thousands attend Palm Sunday celebrations in Jerusalem, against the backdrop of war
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