Easter

Orthodox Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday, April 23, 2011. (Kobi Gideon /Flash90)
How Orthodox Christians are keeping Easter traditions despite lockdown
Worshippers have been marking the Holy Fire ceremony that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus in the same way for centuries — until this year.
By Henriette Chacar April 17, 2020
Palestinian Christians hold candles lit by the holy fire, which was delivered from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, at the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City, on April 20, 2014. (Wissam Nassar/Flash90)
Israel bars hundreds of Palestinian Christians from traveling on Easter
In an unprecedented decision, Israeli authorities are denying hundreds of Palestinian Christians the right to travel to Jerusalem for the holiday, while barring all movement between the West Bank and Gaza. Thousands of Christian pilgrims from all over the world are expected to travel to Jerusalem for Easter celebrations. For Christian Palestinians who live no more than hours…
By Henriette Chacar April 19, 2019
A youth sits near a cross overlooking the surrounding countryside in the displaced Palestinian village of Iqrit in northern Israel, April 21, 2014. Iqrit's original inhabitants were forcibly evacuated in the Nakba of 1948. Though the Israeli high court granted the residents, who are Palestinian citizens of Israel, the right to return to their homes in 1951, the military destroyed the village and has since prevented their return. Only the village's church and cemetery remained intact, and are still used by village residents while they campaign for a full return.
WATCH: Palestinians visit ruins of village destroyed during Nakba
Descendants of Palestinians who were expelled from the village of Ma’alul during the Nakba visit the site of their former home to celebrate Easter in the church there — one of the few buildings left standing after the Israeli army destroyed the locality. Read more: Mapping the Palestinian villages erased and replaced with Jewish towns Israel…
By Social TV May 18, 2017
Latest
Palestinian and Israeli activists plant a Palestinian flag at a tent placed by settlers on land belonging to the West Bank village of Khirbet An Nahla, April 18, 2014. All Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international law. (Activestills.org)
Photos of the week: Returning from Beirut, returning to Iqrit
This week: Majd Kayyal returns to his home in Haifa after protesting for his right for movement, Palestinian residents of Umm al-Fahm protest against ‘price tag’ mosque arson, Israelis protest for housing and animal rights, and for their right to get high.                         
By Activestills April 25, 2014
An Israeli police checkpoint blocks access to the Old City of Jerusalem, April 19, 2014. The day before Easter, thousands of Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims attempt to enter Jerusalem's Old CIty to participate in the "Saturday of Light" or "Holy Fire" celebration in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. (photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org)
PHOTOS: Christians face barriers to Easter worship in Jerusalem
Year after year, Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims face checkpoints and harsh treatment by Israeli police officers as they attempt to celebrate the Easter season in Jerusalem. Text and photos by: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org Palestinian Christians and international pilgrims faced Israeli barriers and harsh treatment by officers as they attempted to celebrate the Easter season…
By Activestills April 20, 2014
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