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The Israeli police cited the absence of requisite government approvals and licenses, which led to the closure of this holy site to thousands of congregants.
“It is absolutely concerning that thousands of Christians are banned, without notice, from a tradition and a holy site that are sacred to them,” said Pillay. “We join the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in calling to address this situation, which violates principles of international human rights law related to freedom of religion and belief, and fails to uphold the historic Status Quo arrangement in the Old City of Jerusalem.”
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated that Christians have been left with little recourse. “The recurrent Israeli portrayal of Christian prayers and religious ceremonies as private events necessitating security measures—an approach distinctly detached from the spiritual essence of these occasions—serves as a persistent excuse to impede Christians from exercising their faith,” reads the statement from the Patriarchate. “Such actions dismiss the integral role of Christians within the societal fabric, imposing undue restrictions rather than fulfilling the state’s duty to facilitate the practice of religious practices.”
The Patriarchate also noted that comparable obstructions have also marred other sacred events, including Saturday of the Holy Light in Jerusalem. “It is incumbent upon the Israeli authorities to uphold the inviolable rights of freedom of worship, access to holy sites, and the unimpeded performance of religious ceremonies,” the statement reads.
The Patriarchate reported it had proactively communicated with the Israeli Minister of Interior over a month ago. “However, the police’s decision has unexpectedly thwarted the natural right of believers to worship,” reads the Patriarchate statement. “The Patriarchate earnestly hopes that Israeli authorities will reassess their stance towards non-Jewish religious practices, affirm the fundamental rights of Christians, and resist yielding to dominating radical tendencies.”
Statement by the Jerusalem Patriarchate on Israel’s impediments to freedom of worship (16 August 2024)
