US EditionBelievers Rejoice as Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopen
- On Thursday, April 9, 2026, worshippers returned to Jerusalem's holy sites after Israel lifted restrictions following a ceasefire with Iran. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre reopened after a 41-day closure.
- Israeli authorities imposed the restrictions nearly six weeks ago during the war with Iran, prohibiting large public gatherings. The closure disrupted Ramadan, Lent, and Passover for adherents of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
- Hamza al-Afghani spoke of "indescribable joy" upon returning, while Mohammed Al-Qassas noted that being unable to pray was like "feeling hungry all the time."
- Jerusalem police lifted restrictions on all holy sites Wednesday, deploying hundreds of officers and volunteers throughout the city. Father Andrea, who officiated mass on Thursday, observed few worshippers but expressed hope they would return "little by little."
- While Jerusalem's holy sites reopened, the war against Iran-backed Hezbollah continues along the northern border near Lebanon. Israel remains committed to the status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound regarding prayer arrangements.
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As Jerusalem holy sites reopen, Jews, Muslims, and Christians flock to pray
Thousands of Jews, Muslims, and Christians flocked to the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday to pray at the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the day after a two-week ceasefire was announced in the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Israeli authorities have reopened the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem after 40 days of closure for security reasons following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28.
As Jerusalem holy sites reopen, Jews, Muslims and Christians flock to pray
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Thousands of Jews, Muslims and Christians flocked to the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday (April 9) to pray at the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the day after a two-week ceasefire was announced in the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. On Feb. 28, Israeli authorities closed all three holy sites to everyone but the clergy who work there, out of fears that Iranian missiles or a s…
Jerusalem holy sites reopen as fragile ceasefire holds
Worshippers returned Thursday to Jerusalem's holiest sites for the first time in over six weeks after Israeli authorities lifted restrictions on public gatherings that had been in place throughout the war with Iran.
Excluding areas on the border with Lebanon, where the war against Hezbollah continues.
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