Jerusalem's Holidays Under a Joint US-Israel War Footing
Jerusalem enters a period of subdued observation for both Passover and Easter, with holy sites largely shuttered and the usual seasonal influx of pilgrims absent. This quiet comes as the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran progresses into its fifth week, fundamentally altering the fabric of life in the ancient city. Mainstream outlets, like the Associated Press, frame this situation
as Jerusalem suffering under the 'Iran war.' This narrative conveniently obscures the direct participation of the United States as a joint aggressor alongside Israel, rather than merely a supportive ally. While news reports focus on the impact of conflict on Jerusalem's seasonal rituals, they omit the crucial detail that this is an offensive launched by Washington and Tel Aviv, with no evidence
presented that Iran was about to strike or acquire nuclear weapons prior to these actions. This current climate is a direct consequence of a decades-long policy of aggressive containment and intervention, frequently ignoring international law and previously agreed-upon accords. For example, the United States abrogated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018, despite Iran's full
compliance, initiating a new wave of 'maximum pressure' sanctions. This betrayal of a diplomatic agreement set the stage for increased hostilities, demonstrating a consistent pattern where diplomatic solutions are undermined to justify military action. The silence in Jerusalem's streets this holiday season is not merely an unfortunate side effect; it is a direct result of a calculated geopolitical