For the third consecutive year, the signs of celebration for the Christian Easter in the town of Zababdeh in northern West Bank are missing, as Christians are confined to religious rituals amid harsh conditions imposed by Israeli restrictions. In this context, Samir Mousa (55 years old) welcomed the holiday by dyeing boiled eggs, a symbol of resurrection, while the atmosphere of joy was absent from her home.
Easter, considered one of the most important Christian holidays, is celebrated between March 22 and April 25, characterized by masses and egg dyeing. However, Basma Mousa (65 years old) describes the holiday atmosphere as resembling ordinary days, with no signs of joy amidst the news of killings and destruction that follow them.
Details of the Event
Basma states that the last joyful Easter was in 2005, and since then, people have lost their sense of security and stability. The poor political conditions have caused people to live in a state of anxiety and fear, as Israeli incursions increase almost daily, exacerbating the suffering of the residents.
The town of Zababdeh is considered the largest Christian community in northern West Bank, where Christians make up about 60% of the total population of 5,000 residents. However, the security and political conditions have negatively impacted their celebrations, as the occupation prevents Christians from accessing holy sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Background & Context
Since the beginning of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Christians in Zababdeh have been living in difficult conditions, facing incursions and raids. Father Firas Khoury Diab, the pastor of St. George's Church, points out that celebrations have significantly declined, limited to prayers and worship rituals.
In recent years, the absence of scout teams and decorations that used to adorn the streets has made the holiday feel like any ordinary day. Residents express their longing to visit Jerusalem and attend mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but the occupation deprives them of that.
Impact & Consequences
Rami Marwan Daibes, an employee at the Zababdeh municipality, confirms that Israeli assaults include both mosques and churches, reflecting the occupation's disrespect for religions. The difficult security conditions affect the nature of holiday celebrations, as signs of joy are limited to children only.
Samir Daibes (33 years old) expresses the feelings of sadness that dominate the holidays, as all signs of celebration have been canceled, even egg dyeing. The general conditions in the town keep people preoccupied with thoughts of their brothers in Gaza, increasing feelings of anxiety.
Regional Significance
The situation in Zababdeh illustrates how the occupation affects all aspects of life, including holidays and religious occasions. Christians in Palestine are part of the Palestinian fabric and face the same challenges as Muslims.
Easter, which carries the symbolism of resurrection, is also seen as a symbol of hope for rising from difficult circumstances. Residents express their hope that this holiday will mark the beginning of the resurrection of the homeland and the resurrection of hope, until peace and justice are achieved.