Impact of the Israel-Iran War on Holy Week Observances in Jerusalem and the UAE

The ongoing war between Israel and Iran, which escalated on February 28, 2026, has significantly affected religious observances in Jerusalem and the wider region during Holy Week. Access to the Old City of Jerusalem has been severely restricted, with Israeli authorities limiting entry to residents and shop owners only. This has resulted in the closure of major holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Al-Aqsa Mosque, since March 6. The restrictions have led to a subdued atmosphere during Good Friday, traditionally a day of pilgrimage and celebration, as the usually crowded Via Dolorosa remained eerily quiet.

The war has prompted the cancellation of many religious services. In Dubai, for example, two Catholic churches announced the cancellation of all masses due to safety concerns stemming from missile threats. St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Francis of Assisi Church both opted to livestream their Good Friday services instead of holding in-person gatherings. Despite these challenges, some parishioners gathered outside church premises to pray, demonstrating a desire for community and faith amid adversity.

The Rossing Center's report highlights a growing animosity towards Christianity, attributing this to the far-right policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The report documented numerous incidents of harassment against clergy and attacks on church properties, indicating a troubling trend for Christian communities in Jerusalem. Critics argue that the Israeli government's actions, including the barring of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday, reflect a broader pattern of discrimination against Christians and Muslims alike.

In response to the restrictions, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed gratitude for the eventual access granted to Cardinal Pizzaballa for Holy Thursday Mass, acknowledging the safety concerns cited by Israeli authorities. However, the patriarchate's acceptance of these restrictions has drawn criticism from some community members, who feel that church leaders should take a firmer stand against the Israeli government's actions.

Local residents have voiced their frustrations regarding the current situation. A Catholic shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, criticized Cardinal Pizzaballa for not confronting Israeli soldiers when denied entry to the church, suggesting that he should have prayed in the street instead. This sentiment reflects a broader discontent among some community members who feel that church leaders are compromising their authority by negotiating with Israeli authorities.

The situation in Jerusalem during Holy Week underscores the complex interplay of faith, politics, and security in the region. As the war continues, the ability of Christian communities to observe their traditions is increasingly threatened, raising concerns about the future of Christianity in the Holy Land. The international community's response to these developments remains critical, as the ongoing conflict continues to shape the religious landscape in Jerusalem and beyond.

Jerusalem’s Holy Week embraced with silent prayer, intimate liturgies as war continues to escalate

• “War has turned this place into a refuge, an ‘inside’ cut off from an ‘outside’ weighed down by fear and strain,” the cardinal said.” — Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s Holy Week embraced with silent prayer, intimate liturgies as war continues to escalate

• “Clergy in areas such as Mount Zion and the Armenian Quarter report that harassment has become so routine that stepping outside can carry an almost certain risk of abuse” — Rossing Center report

• “The church is older than countries and empires. When I was a boy, my father would take the day off to go to the Old City to enjoy the traditions. Now who really wants to come to the Old City to be bullied by the Israeli police?” — Anonymous Catholic shopkeeper

The ongoing conflict and its repercussions on religious observances highlight the urgent need for dialogue and understanding among communities in Jerusalem and the broader Middle East.