Jerusalem Easter prayers nearly empty as conflict keeps pilgrims away
Only a handful of worshippers attended Good Friday prayers in Jerusalem's Old City this year. The famous Via Dolorosa, where Christians believe Jesus walked to his crucifixion, was nearly deserted during what should be one of the busiest religious times.
Jerusalem's Old City looked like a ghost town during Good Friday prayers, with only scattered monks and a few local worshippers walking the Via Dolorosa. The stone alleyways that usually echo with thousands of pilgrims' footsteps were nearly silent.
Metal shutters covered almost every store in the Old City, which houses Christianity's holiest sites. The area is normally packed with tourists and pilgrims during Easter week, one of the biggest times of year for religious tourism.
Some local Christians still came to pray despite the empty streets. Jitty Thomas, who moved to Jerusalem from Kerala, India, attended services to pray for her family back home.
Church officials said prayer continues at the holy sites even with restricted access for security reasons. The subdued atmosphere affected both Easter and Passover celebrations happening at the same time.
The conflict's shadow over religious holidays shows how regional tensions are disrupting centuries-old traditions that bring pilgrims from around the world to Jerusalem.
This shows how regional conflicts are disrupting major religious celebrations that normally bring thousands of pilgrims and millions in tourism money to Jerusalem. It affects local businesses and religious communities who depend on Easter crowds.
Easter Sunday services will likely see similarly small crowds as security concerns continue to keep pilgrims away.
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