Occupied East Jerusalem – It is a time of deep significance for many Christian denominations as they observe Holy Week, a period commemorating the belief in Jesus’s arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. However, the bustling streets of the Old City’s Christian Quarter, typically vibrant during this sacred time, now present a stark contrast; the area is largely deserted, with shops shuttered and a palpable sense of loss permeating the air.
Boulos, a 35-year-old Palestinian Christian shopkeeper who preferred to remain anonymous, continues to visit his store selling religious garments and wares multiple times a week. He keeps the entrance partially covered to avoid attracting the attention of Israeli authorities, who have ordered the closure of such businesses amid ongoing tensions related to regional conflicts. This year’s challenges are compounded by the impact of the pandemic and the ensuing disruptions that have stifled economic recovery for local businesses.
With a glimmer of hope enabled by a recent ceasefire in Gaza that allowed for the return of some international pilgrims to the region, Boulos had begun to see a slight uptick in his business. Unfortunately, the escalating conflicts have halted this momentum. He lamented, “Before the war [with Iran], business was still challenging but manageable. Now, it’s as if all opportunities have been swept away.”
One of the few customers that day, a local Christian Ethiopian woman, purchased a small quantity of prayer candles. Despite this transaction, the meager return left Boulos feeling hopeless, questioning the viability of his small enterprise in the current climate.
Nevertheless, Boulos’s experience is not isolated. Brother Daoud Kassabry, principal of the College des Freres School in the Christian Quarter, expressed his concern, stating, “It’s unprecedented to witness Jerusalem infused with such sadness.” With schools in the area closed for over a month, a profound sense of anguish has gripped families, educators, and the broader community.
Traditionally, students from Brother Kassabry’s school would partake in vibrant Palm Sunday processions. However, this year, such expressions of faith were curtailed. Israeli authorities imposed restrictions even on senior church officials, including the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, preventing them from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
In a reaction akin to historical injustices, this reprisal against church leaders drew criticism from foreign government officials, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assure that religious ceremonies would be permitted during Holy Week, although only in a controlled manner and still limiting public access.
While ensuring the safety of religious leaders is significant, the broader narrative of limited access to worship sites resonates deeply with local Palestinian Christians, who have articulated a growing discomfort with the atmosphere fostered under current Israeli governance. Bishop Emeritus Munib Younan shed light on the numerous instances of hostility faced by the community. Yet, amidst these adversities, he remains hopeful for a future where dialogue prevails.
The effects of these restrictions extend beyond mere inconvenience; they threaten the very identity and cohesiveness of the Palestinian Christian community, whose numbers have decreased to less than 2 percent of Israel and the occupied territories.
Father Faris Abedrabbo, of the Annunciation Latin Parish, highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. He encourages his congregation to find strength in their faith, viewing their plight as an opportunity for spiritual resilience.
As the tourism sector, crucial for local economy, remains stalled, many young Palestinian Christians find themselves contemplating emigration in search of better prospects, leaving local leaders like Bishop Younan troubled by the potential long-term consequences for their community.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Boulos reflects on his commitment to his shop and people, stating, “Coming here is my way of nurturing hope.” Father Abedrabbo underlines the importance of active spiritual resistance and the need for community members to remain grounded in goodness and truth, as they strive to choose life amid the odds.
This Holy Week, the resilience of the local Christian community shines, characterized by hope, faith, and an unwavering spirit of endurance amidst adversity.
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