Security Restrictions Limit Orthodox Easter Celebrations in Jerusalem

Israeli police limited attendance inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to 1,800 people for the traditional Holy Fire rite ahead of Orthodox Easter due to security concerns, while thousands of Palestinian worshippers and foreign pilgrims gathered outside. The ceremony sees a flame brought from the tomb and passed via candles among worshippers, marking the most important event in the Orthodox calendar. The restrictions have been criticized by many Palestinian Christians as proof of discrimination against them, while Israeli media reported tens of thousands of people turned out for a 15th consecutive week of protests against a controversial government judicial overhaul.