"Last year was a terrible Easter, without people, closed doors. This year is much better, the door is open, we don't have a lot of people but we feel more hopeful that things will become better."
But when did Christians start traveling to places in Israel associated with events described in the Bible for religious reasons?
Called the Saturday of Light by some eastern churches, the holiday is observed according to the Julian calendar which the Orthodox adhere to, explained Armenian historian George Hintlian.
In honor of Christmas, COGAT approved a series of civilian measures for the Christian populations of the Gaza Strip as well as those in Judea and Samaria.
55% of tourists visiting Israel in 2019 were Christian, says Ministry of Tourism
Various sects connected to the historic Jerusalem church, fraught with long-standing conflict, have agreed that renovations are necessary at the site where many believe Jesus was buried.
The ceremonial lighting of the "holy fire" took place at the historic church.
Christians jostle with Mahmoud Abbas for control over their affairs.
“We are concerned that this bill threatens the sustainability of the historic Christian presence in Jerusalem,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
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