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Holy Days in the Crossfire: Jerusalem’s Passover and Easter Fall Silent

  The faithful attend a Palm Sunday mass at the Monastery of Saint Saviour in Jerusalem's Old City on March 29, 2026. | Jerusalem is entering what should be one of its most vibrant seasons under an unusually heavy pall, as the ongoing Iran war forces the city’s sacred spaces into lockdown and its residents into a subdued observance of Passover and Easter.  Major holy sites across the Old City—normally alive with worshippers, pilgrims, and tourists—now sit shuttered behind metal doors. The narrow stone alleyways echo with only the occasional footsteps, a stark contrast to the typical spring surge of visitors celebrating the Jewish and Christian holidays. Families, exhausted by weeks of conflict, face a season traditionally marked by renewal with a sense of fatigue and uncertainty.  The war’s reach has been felt even in areas historically spared from direct attack. Intercepted Iranian missiles have scattered shrapnel near the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and along the roa...
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Israelis Rally in Largest Anti-Government Protest Since Gaza War

 


Tens of thousands of Israelis converged outside the parliament building in Jerusalem on Sunday, marking the largest anti-government demonstration since the country entered conflict with Hamas in October. The protesters voiced their grievances, urging the government to take decisive action.

Key Points:

  1. Hostage Crisis: The demonstrators passionately called for a ceasefire deal to secure the release of dozens of hostages held by the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Families of the captives were among the crowd, their anguish palpable.
  2. Early Elections: In addition to the hostage issue, the protesters demanded early elections, nearly two years ahead of schedule. Their collective voice echoed through the streets, emphasizing the urgency of political change.
  3. Netanyahu Under Scrutiny: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced mounting criticism during the rally. Many protesters viewed him as an obstacle to resolving the crisis. Despite his vow to dismantle Hamas and bring the hostages home, tangible progress remained elusive.
  4. Hamas Resilience: While Hamas suffered significant losses, it continued to operate. The group’s battalions remained active, and the remaining hostages’ families feared time was running out.
  5. Road Safety Controversy: Police actions during the demonstration sparked controversy. Selective enforcement of traffic rules led to several arrests. Protesters accused the authorities of using obscure traffic regulations as a pretext for stifling their right to protest.

The crowd stretched for blocks around the Knesset, and organizers pledged to sustain the demonstration for several days. Netanyahu, in a televised speech, acknowledged the pain of the hostages’ families but cautioned against early elections, citing potential paralysis for the nation.

As the sun set over Jerusalem, the city bore witness to a powerful display of civic engagement. The struggle for peace and accountability continues, echoing through the ancient streets.


Sources: 1: Israelis rally in their largest anti-government protest since the war in Gaza began 2: Tens of thousands Israelis rally in the largest anti-government protest since the start of Gaza war

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