Peaceful Easter celebrations 19 April 2014
Israeli Missions Around The World MFA Press Room 2014 Peaceful Easter celebrations 19 April 2014

Peaceful Easter celebrations in Jerusalem, despite UNSCO statement

  • 4/19/2014
    •    
    UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry issued a statement condemning Israeli police for hindering Easter celebrations in Jerusalem.
  •  
     
    ​
    (Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)
    The statement issued today (Saturday, April 19 2014) by Mr. Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, regarding Easter celebrations in Jerusalem is an odd communique on a non-event.
    The Holiday’s ceremonies have ended peacefully, with the participation of tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world, although taking place in a narrow and exiguous site such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and its adjacent square. This has been made possible through the dedicated work of the Jerusalem Police, which has handled the event with the required professionalism and sensitivity, regulating crowd movements and ensuring the safety of all attendants.
    Christian dignitaries of the highest level have thanked this evening the Jerusalem Police Department for its efficient service, which has enabled the Holy Day’s celebrations to take place without any hindrance. Had any harm come to the pilgrims due to uncontrolled crowd movements, Mr. Serry would have been prompt to cast responsibility on the same Police, which he now condemns for doing its job properly. Mr. Serry’s statement is, at the very least, a display of poor judgment.