EASTER 2024 – The Most Deadly Day of the Year for Christians.
One of the most deadly days on the calendar for Christian believers occurs every ten years when the Passover, Easter and Ramadan overlap.
The reason is perhaps an unspoken reality that some prefer to ignore for fear that it might make things worse, but over and over again the world witnesses an increase of attacks during the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan.
In Nigeria, the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian right now, orders have been issued to provide special protection on Easter weekend. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered round-the-clock security and protection for Christians across the country during the Easter celebrations. Churches are of particular concern, because that is where Muslims can kill the most Christians at one time, but during the month of Ramadan, no Christians are safe – not even in banks, train stations, or even on the highways. According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, “Intensive and proactive visibility patrols will be conducted at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centres, banks, and other financial institutions, as well as other critical infrastructures and public spaces.”
Jews are under particular strain as well during this time of Passover. Christians and Jews share the holy days of Passover and Easter. This weekend, a scaled down celebration will take place in Jerusalem as security is increased.
In the past, about 10,000 worshipers would fill the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christian tradition says Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and resurrected. This year however, only 200 leaders from the occupied West Bank have been given permits to enter Jerusalem – their congregations are not being allowed access to participate in the services. Israeli authorities anticipate the inflamed emotions during the time of Ramadan and the security challenges with a surprise attack.
Not everyone is happy about the security measures. According to a reporter with Al Jazeera, Imran Khan, “Palestinian Christians from the occupied West Bank – not the international tourists who are staying away because of the war on Gaza – these are people who actually want to come to the Old City and celebrate Easter, but they’re not being allowed to.” The restrictions, according to Khan, are “unprecedented.”