Jerusalem’s major holy sites are shuttered and the mood ahead of Passover and Easter is subdued as the Iran war rages on, now in its fifth week. Metal shutters are drawn on nearly all stores in the Old City, and only scattered footsteps echo on deserted stone alleyways. Vast plazas are missing the typical throngs of faithful and tourists. The Latin Patriarchate has canceled a procession on Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz said the massive priestly blessing for Passover will take place with just 50 worshippers. That’s how many are allowed to pray at a time in the enclosed area by the Western Wall under wartime safety guidelines.
