The International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC) expresses concern over reports that senior Christian leaders, including His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, were unable to access the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark Palm Sunday.

We recognize the complex and serious security challenges currently affecting all communities in Jerusalem, and we take seriously the responsibility of authorities to protect human life. At the same time, the inability of religious leaders to reach one of Christianity’s holiest sites on such a significant day is deeply troubling and underscores the importance of carefully balancing security needs with the fundamental principle of freedom of worship.

We welcome reports that the Prime Minister’s Office is considering a plan to enable such visits, and we hope this will lead to practical arrangements that allow religious leaders to fulfill their roles, even under challenging circumstances.

We urge continued dialogue between authorities and religious leaders to ensure that such incidents are addressed and that workable solutions are found moving forward.