Thousands of people on the path of the cross to Jerusalem

Thousands of pilgrims joined the annual processing of the Cross Road in the Old City in Jerusalem, while Christians around the world celebrate Friday.

In the years that preceded the current war in Gaza, tens of thousands of people used to participate in the pilgrimage that marks significant moments from the last day of Jesus Christ until His grave.

But after the attack led by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the number of pilgrims from abroad decreased significantly.

Meanwhile, Israel has substantially restricted the crossings of the busy Westordan.

According to a DPA reporter present on the spot, the presence at this year’s procession was greater than in 2024, including several people from abroad, as well as many Arab Christians in Jerusalem.

Singing and praying, the pilgrims traveled ‘the road of the cross’. Some wore wooden crosses to remember that along this route Christ was forced to wear the cross on which it was later beaten.

The route, which includes a total of 14 stops, leads from the Chapel of Flageal to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christ was buried, according to the Christian faith.

According to Ibrahim Faltas, a Catholic priest in the Franciscan and Custodian order of the Holy Country, Israel allowed this year to enter the country only 6,000 Christians in the busy Westord to participate in the Easter holidays.

Only about 180,000 people in the 10 million population of the Jewish state are Christians.

It is estimated that about 50,000 Christians live in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank, while about 1,000 would live in Gaza.

Easter is the most holy holiday for Christians around the world. On Good Friday, they mark the crucifixion of Christ, while Easter Sunday commemorates His resurrection from the dead.