Jerusalem's Holy Sites Empty Amid War

0:00Jerusalem's holy sites sit empty, as the war with Iran hits its fifth week, shutting down the old city right before Passover and Easter. Usually, these spring holidays pack the streets with tourists and families, but now metal shutters cover shops and pauses echo with silence instead of crowds. And, strikes kicked off February 28th when Israel and the United States hit Iran and missiles have since targeted the city. Debris from Intercepts has rained down near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall, forcing military rules that limit gatherings to, just 50 people. Rabbis, priests, and shop owners feel the ache deep. The Western Wall Rabbi calls the empty plaza, heartbreaking, while a Catholic priest misses the Palm Sunday procession, but leans on interfaith. Muslim merchants mourn a Ramadan without out-exay prayers, their stores locked by police orders. Smaller synagogues, mosques, and churches stay open nearby shelters, but big events like the priestly blessing are slashed to tiny groups echoing.

1:03Pandemic limits, family scramble with siren drills, cleaning homes for Passover while dodging debris. Israeli space weary days with 16 civilian deaths, smaller cedars, and flights canceled. Many even cross into Egypt's Sinai for safety, flipping. The holidays exit its story on its head as the city holds its breath. Canada news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with the story.