The conflict in Israel/Palestine has taken a terrible toll in human life, but also in human livelihoods. The collapse in the local economy is less gut-wrenching than the fate of Hamas hostages and the victims of the bombardments, but it’s important nonetheless. Whereas formerly Palestinians living in Jerusalem and the Occupied Territories could make a living from tourism to the Holy Places and goods manufactured for tourists – anything from jewellery to rosary beads to ceramics – the market has collapsed: there are no tourists and it’s difficult to get goods out of the occupied territories, and money in. The situation is all the grimmer, because tourism had only just recovered from COVID. And so, more Christians will leave – there are estimated to be just 127,000 left in the Holy Land, or just over two per cent of the population.
6:54 PM
Supporting the work of Pro Terra Sancta in the Holy Land: rebuilding with living stones
Melanie McDonagh

Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe












