"Controversy and Crowds: The Annual Holy Fire Ritual in Jerusalem"
TL;DR
Christian worshippers gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to celebrate the annual ceremony of the "Holy Fire," which has been performed for over a millennium. However, Israel's restrictions on event capacity limited the number of attendees to just 1,800 people, causing disappointment and anger among some worshippers. The Greek Orthodox patriarchate has criticized the restrictions as a hindrance to religious freedom, while Israeli authorities say they are necessary to maintain public safety. The dispute comes amid tensions between Israel and its Christian minority, who fear that the extra security measures are being used to limit their access to the Old City.
- Christian faithful flock to 'Holy Fire' under restrictions The Associated Press
- Orthodox Christians await Holy Light in Jerusalem under heavy police restrictions Reuters
- Israeli settlers verbally abuse and spit at Christian nuns in Jerusalem Middle East Eye
- Holy Sepulchre letter undermines church allegations on Israeli worship limits The Times of Israel
- Christians flock to Jerusalem Holy Fire ritual; minor police scuffles over crowd size The Times of Israel
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