A shrine near the traditional site of Jesus' baptism on the River Jordan hosted an Epiphany procession for the first time in more than 50 years on Sunday after it was declared free of landmines.
The historic event, coordinated by the Unit for Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the IDF and Israel Police, began with Father Francesco Patton, the custodian of the Holy Land for the Roman Catholic Church, leading Franciscan friars towards a shrine in what was once a war zone between Israel and Jordan.
Although the two countries have been at peace since 1994, seven churches laid abandoned for more than 50 years in the area of de-mining operations. The area lies about a kilometer from the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site in the West Bank, which is a major draw for Christian pilgrims.
"Today, we are back to pray," Father Ibrahim Faltas, one of the clergymen at the ceremony, said. Attendance at the procession, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, was capped at 50 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Israeli de-mining efforts began in 2018 and included support from the Halo Trust, a Scottish-based mine clearance group, an Israeli official said.
As of 2021, "the danger has been completely removed," a branch of Israel's Defense Ministry said.
After visiting the shrine, the friars passed fading signs reading "DANGER - MINES!" in English, Arabic and Hebrew as they went down to the river to pray. "We will continue working during the COVID-19 pandemic to coordinate the traditional baptism ceremonies for the other Christian denominations and to preserve the freedom of worship and of religion for all believers," added Lt.-Col. Amos Twito, the head of Jericho District Coordination and Liaison Office (DCL), said, "I will take this opportunity to wish all Christians a happy holiday and a good year."Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.