Overview

• The Greek Orthodox Church and other Christian groups are accusing Israel of infringing on freedom of worship by limiting attendance at Holy Week ceremonies in the Old City of Jerusalem.
• Police will limit the number of worshippers allowed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Orthodox Easter to one-fifth of recent years, citing safety concerns.
• Church officials say the restrictions are an attempt to curb the rights and freedoms of the Christian community and have refused to cooperate with the measures.
• The tensions come amid already high religious sensitivities in Jerusalem this year with Ramadan, Passover, and Easter coinciding.
• Additional police checkpoints around the Old City will also limit access during the Easter season.