PILGRIMS VISITING THE HOLY LAND INSPITE OF THE ACTUAL EVENTS

JERUSALEM – The events occurred during the last weeks could have damaged the number of pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. In spite of that, only small number of flights was cancelled and the flow of pilgrims is still well noted in the Holy Land.

They come from France, Spain, the United States and Asia as pilgrims or just simple tourists and they go through the Old City of Jerusalem in small groups or families. Following their tourist guide, taking selfie pictures in front of the Holy Sepulcher or in the market. In spite of the actual events, they arrive quite calm.

For most of them, their trip has been planed long time ago. The word “TRUST” is heard from each one of them: “We have confidence in the organizers for those trips” says a man who came with 20 children from his parish. A volunteer who just arrived says that in no way he regrets having come to the country, “it has been long time since I come here y there have been always some tension, but I still visit the Holy Land. There is no big risk here”.

Lots of groups visit the Patriarchate; Mons. William Shomali is always thankful for their courage and invites them to pray for the Holy Land, “A pilgrimage in these difficult moments is a real one, because it is different from a simple tourism”. Mons.  Shomali reassures them and encourages them to come: “Don’t be afraid because violence will never reach you”.

Thomas Charrière