Pilgrims of Faith: Kerala's Journey to the Holy Sepulchre

Thousands of pilgrims from Kerala are traveling to Israel's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Despite regional tensions, the pilgrimage attracts many Keralite Christians. Israel anticipates 70,000 tourists from India, with nearly half as pilgrims. Efforts include resuming flights and introducing an e-visa system to boost Indian tourism.

Amid the echoes of gunfire and rising tensions, devoted pilgrims from Kerala continue their steadfast journey to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Israel. This spiritual endeavor persists despite the unrest, driven by a deep-seated faith in the hallowed grounds that house Christ's tomb.

Israel's alluring spiritual sites have long been a magnet for Christians, especially among the devout communities in Kerala. According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, around 9,600 Indian tourists visited Israel in 2024, with half embarking on pilgrimages, predominantly from Kerala.

Despite recent challenges, Israel remains optimistic about the influx of pilgrims. Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT-India, confirmed expectations of 70,000 Indian tourists this year, with 48% being pilgrims. Measures to enhance tourist safety and the operational status of key attractions underline Israel's commitment to welcoming visitors.

(With inputs from agencies.)