Israel - Church of the Holy Sepulchre Closed Indefinitely

I was there on March 6, which now feels like 3 months ago, not 3 weeks ago. When the rest of the country is reopened, I'm sure it will be as well. When that will happen, no one knows, but folks here are talking in terms of months, not weeks.

I got the news late last month while I was driving down the church that it was shut indefinitely. That's okay. At least it's better to stay safe in this trying times.

Here's a little ray of sunshine (to be exact, light, not sunshine :-) about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The ceremony takes place on Saturday before Easter Sunday. I was privileged to be there once for it, very moving even for a non-Christian.

Thanks all. We were in Israel and Jordan late January 2020 thru February 10th. Most coronavirus reports were focused on China and starting to show up in other countries. It was after we were home, that sights in Israel began to close and finally the countries themselves.

Be encouraged!

Today's news: Houses of worship have reopened Wednesday across the country almost two months after Israel’s government ordered their shuttering on March 25 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Synagogues, churches and mosques will still need to adhere to certain restrictions, such as not allowing congregations of more than 50 people, keeping a two meters social distancing, wearing face masks and sanitation rules.

Our virus numbers are very low and we are on a quick reopening path . . . . though we are all aware that if new infections get too high, we'll go back to stay-home orders very quickly. Schools through grade 12 are all open, though not all parents are sending their kids yet. Most businesses are open, restaurants being a major exception (open for take-out only) but they are scheduled to reopen at the end of next week.

Thanks Chani for the update. This is encouraging news.

Stay safe!

Chani, thanks for the updates. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the more intriguing places in the world whatever your religious views.
Let's hope it opens soon.

I haven't been back to Jerusalem since the shut-down, but last week I spent 3 nights on the Sea of Galilee. I went past a number of the most popular Christian holy sights, all churches, all were closed. I expect they won't reopen until foreign tourism is revived since that is what sustains them.