The Jerusalem Post - Israel News

Qasr el yahud

Mine-free River Jordan shrine ends 50 year wait for Epiphany

Israeli de-mining efforts began in 2018 and included support from the Halo Trust, a Scottish-based mine clearance group.

|ByREUTERS
Worshippers attend a mass at the Franciscan Church that was reopened after landmines were removed at the Qasr el-Yahud site, near Jericho, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, January 10, 2021.
20,000 pilgrims flock to Jesus’s baptismal site on Jordan River (January 2020)

20,000 pilgrims flock to Jesus’ baptismal site on Jordan River

Qasr al-Yahud (“the Castle of the Jews”) is located in the West Bank about 40 km. east of Jerusalem, on the border with Jordan. It is one of the holiest sites in the Christian world.

|ByROSSELLA TERCATIN
Pilgrims enter the Jordan River during the celebration of the Epiphany, Friday January 18 2019

IN PICTURES: Epiphany celebration by the Jordan River

Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III leads the ceremony.

|ByZACK EVANS
Workers clearing the area of Qasr el-Yahud baptism site of mines

Israel begins to clear Qasr al-Yehud baptism site of mines

Some 3,000 anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines, and other explosive remnants of war are expected to be cleared from one million square meters of land.

|ByANNA AHRONHEIM

Soldier injured in West Bank car ramming attempt near popular baptism site

The driver attempted to flee to the Allenby Bridge, on the border with Jordan, but was arrested by authorities.

JANUARY 19, 2018
Christian Orthodox pilgrims arrive to celebrate Epiphany holiday at Qasr el Yahud

Abbas: Israel’s goal is to destroy unity government

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas returns to Ramallah from Qatar where he met with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.

JULY 22, 2014
Mahmoud Abbas