International
Although the bombs continue to fall in Gaza, faith does not stop. Hundreds of pilgrims toured the painful road this Good Friday in the old city of Jerusalem.
Christians carrying a large wooden cross walk through the old city of Jerusalem on the way to the Holy Sepulcher during the Orthodox Procession of Good Friday, on April 18, 2025. (Free Press Photo: AFP)
Despite the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the continuity of the bombings in the Gaza Striphundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the world did not give up participating in the traditional procession of Good Friday in Jerusalem.
From the Church of Flagellation to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, the faithful toured the painful path in the midst of an environment of faith and hope, protected by a strong security device.
“We love Israel and Jesus. I came with a group of 100 people, and although many believed it was crazy, nobody was afraid”Suei Steps said, a Brazilian pilgrim guide based in Rome.
Last year, after the attacks of October 7, 2023 and the beginning of the military offensive in Gaza, many trips were canceled. However, this 2025, faith has surpassed fear and several groups have returned to the Holy Land.
“The city is beautiful and very friendly people,” Mulu said, an Ethiopian pilgrim who will remain eleven days in Jerusalem. Margaret, a Canadian resident in Israel, also highlighted the most hopeful environment: “This year there is a need to celebrate life.”
Although religious tourism figures do not reach the levels prior to war, Holy Week ceremonies continue, with the shared hope that peace in the region will arrive soon.
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Also read: Good Friday 2025: When is it and why it is commemorated