Israel and Jordan are preparing for a huge Christian pilgrimage in 2030 to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan River.
Describing the anniversary as “a milestone of profound spiritual significance for more than two billion Christians worldwide,” Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has established a dedicated working group, headed by its special envoy to the Christian world, George Deek.
Minister Sa’ar said the group would “deepen dialogue with churches and Christian leaders worldwide and prepare for the arrival of millions of Christian pilgrims in 2030.”
While Israel’s Jordan River baptism sites in the West Bank attract thousands of Christian pilgrims each year, Jordan has already begun a series of improvements and preparations on the East Bank of the river at the traditional baptism site.
JORDAN PREPARES TO WELCOME CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS IN 2030
Earlier this year, Jordan’s King Abdullah II hosted a meeting of leaders from Catholic and Orthodox churches, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, at the site traditionally known as Al-Maghtas, or Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which sits directly opposite the Israeli site, known today as Qasr el-Yahud.
The King announced that Jordan will support and oversee preparations for the 2030 jubilee celebration, which will include infrastructure improvements and expanded services for pilgrims.
Jordan aims to significantly strengthen its position as a destination for religious tourism in the Middle East.
For this reason, 34 sites linked to Christian history such as Mt Nebo, Madaba and Jerash have been surveyed, catalogued and included in a comprehensive development project.
“BAPTISM OF CHRIST IS AN ETERNAL EVENT THAT SPEAKS TO EVERY BELIEVER”
Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke of the enduring significance of Jesus’s baptism for Christians.
“The baptism of Christ is not merely a historical memory, but an eternal event that continues to speak to every believer,” he said.
Jordanian authorities have insisted their infrastructure improvements including luxury accommodation will respect the sacred nature of the site.
Samir Murad, who heads the non-profit foundation established by the Jordanian government to oversee the project, told the BBC: “Let’s remember this is one of the holiest sites in Christianity.”
“This is the site where Jesus got his calling and so it would be highly inappropriate to corrupt it or violate (it) in any way.”
ISRAEL’S BAPTISM SITE ACCESS ONLY POSSIBLE AFTER EXTENSIVE DEMINING OPERATION
It is not yet clear what preparations the Israeli government is planning for the site on the western side of the Jordan River.
It has only been accessible for 15 years.
Qasr el-Yahud, which means “Castle of the Jews” in Arabic, a likely reference to the site of the crossing of the Jordan River by Israelites, was only opened for pilgrims in 2011.
It required an extensive demining effort by the Israeli government, which was later joined by the HALO Trust, an international demining organisation.
The mines had been placed during the 1967 Six Day War conflict between Israel and Jordan.
ISRAEL HOPES BAPTISM ANNIVERSARY WILL HELP IMPROVE TIES WITH CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
At the same time, the Israeli government is hoping that the significant anniversary of Jesus’s baptism will provide an opportunity to improve ties with the traditional Christian denominations, especially the Catholic and Orthodox churches, which have become frayed in recent years.
“The year 2030 will be a unique milestone for the Christian world, and Israel is beginning its preparations now,” Minister Sa’ar said.
“Strengthening our relationship with the Christian world and ensuring that the Holy Land remains accessible to the millions of believers who wish to visit are among Israel’s highest priorities.”
“Israel will continue to safeguard freedom of worship and access to holy sites for members of all faiths,” he added.
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