Monks Hold Easter Prayers in Deserted Old City of Jerusalem
April 3, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Easter Prayers Held in Jerusalem’s Old City Amid Limited Access
On Good Friday, a small group of worshippers gathered on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City for Easter prayers. The area, typically bustling with pilgrims and tourists, was largely deserted due to Israeli restrictions and ongoing regional conflict.
According to reports, traditional processions were cancelled, and attendance at Mass was limited to fewer than 50 people. This marked a significant departure from the usual large crowds that gather in the city on this day.
The restricted access is attributed to the ongoing tensions between Israel and its neighbors, as well as the Israeli government’s measures to limit travel and gatherings. The Via Dolorosa, which commemorates Jesus’ final journey to his crucifixion, was particularly affected by these restrictions.
Despite the limited turnout, a small group of monks still held Easter prayers in the city. The event took place in an area that is normally crowded with pilgrims and tourists, but on this day, it was largely empty due to the restrictions in place.
The exact number of worshippers who attended the prayer service is not available, but officials confirmed that attendance was significantly lower than usual.
Source: Al Jazeera