April 6, 2026
Holidays during wartime in Israel
טקס ברכת הכהנים בכותל המערבי. צילום מסך. אתר ה-YouTube של הכותל המערבי
Due to the war, large gatherings are prohibited in Israel.
Security forces are restricting access to holy sites in Jerusalem.
Therefore, Passover and Easter ceremonies were smaller than usual this year.
Usually, many tourists come to Israel during Easter.
End of Hebrew Preview
For an immersive experience with the full text, translations, pronunciation, a personal dictionary and other interactive features, download our mobile app
But this year, the streets of the Old City were very quiet. Shops and hotels were closed. Holiday processions were canceled. The ceremonies were limited.
Only dozens of priests participated in the Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall. This is compared to previous years when tens of thousands of people attended.
A small Easter prayer was held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Only a few priests participated. Many worshippers remained outside the gates.
Despite the situation, many tried to maintain the holiday spirit. Families celebrated together. Believers who came to the holy sites participated in quiet and emotional prayers.