JERUSALEM — Thousands of Christian faithful attended Palm Sunday celebrations at Jerusalem’s sacred Mount of Olives, marking the first day of Holy Week as conflict surges across the region.
Pilgrims waved branches and fronds in the air, items that were placed before Jesus’ feet as he was greeted by cheering crowds during his entrance into Jerusalem, according to the Bible. Earlier Sunday, Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre — revered as the site of Jesus’s crucifixion — also held a service.
The annual celebration came as the Israel-Hamas war rages on in Gaza. However, the conflict appeared to have had little effect on the procession, which swelled to a similar size as last year.
“Although there is war, in my impression I don’t feel any kind of tension,” said David Manini, a pilgrim from Italy.
The celebration marks the beginning of the most somber week in the Christian calendar, which marks Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter.
“I’m here because I love Jesus Christ,” said Jennifer Weedon, who traveled form the United States for the occasion.
Since the war erupted, Israel has seen a huge downturn in tourism. The war began on Oct. 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 left more than 32,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
One of the placards held by a pilgrim read, “Save us lord. The Church of Saint Porphyrius and Holy Family Church, Gaza.”
In late October, Palestinian health officials said that an Israeli strike hit St. Porphyrios, a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza where displaced Palestinians were sheltering, killing 18 people.
Palm Sunday, the Christian holiday that marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, is a significant and joyous occasion for believers around the world. In Jerusalem, the city where the events of Palm Sunday took place over two thousand years ago, the celebrations are particularly special and draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.
Despite the ongoing conflict and tensions in the region, Palm Sunday in Jerusalem remains a time of unity and peace for Christians of various denominations. The day typically begins with a procession from the Mount of Olives to the Old City, where participants wave palm branches and sing hymns in remembrance of Jesus’ entry into the city.
The streets are lined with crowds of people, both locals and visitors, who come together to celebrate this important day in the Christian calendar. The atmosphere is one of joy and reverence, as believers reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the events that would unfold in the days to come.
For many Christians, participating in Palm Sunday celebrations in Jerusalem is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that deepens their faith and strengthens their connection to the biblical stories that are central to their beliefs. The opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and witness the places where these events took place is a powerful and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression on those who make the journey.
Despite the challenges and obstacles that exist in the region, the spirit of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem endures, serving as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of coming together in unity and peace. As pilgrims and tourists gather in the holy city to mark this special day, they are reminded of the timeless message of hope and redemption that Palm Sunday represents.
