ACHRS Statement: Easter in Palestine

As we observed Easter on this 31st of March 2024, following the first Sunday after the full moon, we at ACHRS extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating around the world, and particularly to those in the Mosaic of the Levant. In relation to the status quo, we dedicate our Easter greetings to our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, the cradle of Christianity, Palestine. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge the challenges presented by Jewish-only settlements over Easter. This has led to Christian Palestinians experiencing a profound sense of sorrow during what should be a joyous time. The practice of their religious rights is significantly hindered by hundreds of checkpoints and the requirement of obtaining permission from Israeli authorities in advance from holy sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, including the Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Moreover, since October 7th, 2023, and as a result of tightening the regulations on freedom of movement and expression for Palestinians, the celebration of Easter has been an impossibility, leaving many holy sites deserted. The Old City of Jerusalem is closed to Palestinian Christians, international worshipers are absent, and Palestinians face severe restrictions. Additionally, Israeli indiscriminate bombardments and complete destruction of Palestinians have not spared the Christian community. The St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, the world’s third-oldest church, has been bombed, and many seeking refuge within its walls have lost their lives. Reports and testimonies by Aljazeera have revealed that nuns and priests in Jerusalem were attacked, including pilgrims walking the Via Dolorosa.

The question that arises here is: How can the worshippers of the land with sites where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected, be forced to confront such severe restrictions to celebrate Easter on their land amidst global silence and total negligence? We call for an urgent action to end the genocide imposed on the Palestinians, and to ensure that the rights and freedoms to worship are respected and preserved. Lastly, as we commemorate Easter, we wish all celebrants a happy Easter, accompanied by a commitment to advocate for human rights and freedom of all kinds.