Groups come from all around the world to take part in Easter festivities, while Palestinian Christians say many are not allowed to enter Jerusalem because they are not given permits.
Palestinian Christians say it is ironic that people can come from all over the world to commemorate Holy Week services in Jerusalem while brothers and sisters in Christ 5 or 6 miles away aren’t allowed because they don’t get permits. They say international law would say that free access to holy places should be free access, without the need for a permit.
Palestinian Christians say Israel issues 2,000 to 3,000 permits each year through churches for pilgrims to enter the city, while Israel claims it issues 20,000.
Read Pastor Fred Strickert’s Holy Week blog with photos of the Holy Week services this year.
