The head of the Israeli Police is expected to meet with the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos today in order to discuss the attendance of the faithful at the Touching of the Holy Light ceremony at the Church of the Resurrection.

Israeli diplomatic sources report that inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the number of worshipers on the ground floor is limited to 1,800 for security reasons.

They also claim that there is no restriction on the attendance of worshipers compared to last year and that any restrictions have been taken for security reasons, based on the opinions of security experts.

The same sources state that the Israel Police is committed to the freedom of religious worship, but also to the protection of life and the normal conduct of the Touching of the Holy Light ceremony.

Regarding access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, they point out that there is only one entrance and note that this year’s ceremony takes place two years after the biggest tragedy of its kind in Israel, when 45 Israelis were killed and 100 injured during a Jewish religious festival. .

They claim that the representatives of the Churches are in dialogue and coordination with the Israeli Police.

Finally, Israeli diplomatic sources note that Israel considers relations with the Church important and add that there is a continuous dialogue with it. “The important thing is that everyone in the Holy Land will be able to celebrate with complete freedom of religious worship and safety,” they emphasize.