Jerusalem's Old City Faces Eerie Silence Amid Wartime Restrictions During Holy Week
Jerusalem's Old City, typically bustling with pilgrims during Holy Week, is experiencing an unusual quietness due to wartime restrictions. The Austrian Pilgrim Hospice, a 163-year-old guesthouse, usually requires bookings 16 months in advance, but currently has vacancies, highlighting the impact of the conflict. The Israeli government has closed holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the al-Aqsa Mosque, citing security concerns following the U.S. and Israel's military actions against Iran. This has led to a significant decrease in the number of pilgrims and tourists, affecting local businesses that rely heavily on the influx of visitors during this period. 
