Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the si...

The National
  • Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the site where Christians believe Jesus was buried, remained closed on Monday in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. All photos by Heidi Levine for The National
    Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the site where Christians believe Jesus was buried, remained closed on Monday in protest at Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. All photos by Heidi Levine for The National
  • Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the church, seen as the holiest site in Christianity, on Sunday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures.
    Christian leaders took the rare step of closing the church, seen as the holiest site in Christianity, on Sunday at noon in a bid to pressure Israeli authorities into abandoning the measures.
  • The church, a major pilgrimage site, would be closed until further notice.
    The church, a major pilgrimage site, would be closed until further notice.
  • The church remained closed on Monday morning, with church officials saying it was not clear when it would reopen.
    The church remained closed on Monday morning, with church officials saying it was not clear when it would reopen.
  • The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the building.
    The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the building.
  • Christian leaders have been angered over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.
    Christian leaders have been angered over attempts by Israeli authorities in Jerusalem to enforce tax collection on church property they consider commercial, saying exemptions only apply to places of worship or religious teaching.
  • Separately, Christian leaders say legislation being considered by Israel's government would allow church property to be expropriated.
    Separately, Christian leaders say legislation being considered by Israel's government would allow church property to be expropriated.
  • Christian pilgrims pray by the closed wooden doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
    Christian pilgrims pray by the closed wooden doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
  • Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city is due 650 million shekels (Dh684.5m) in uncollected taxes on church properties.
    Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat says the city is due 650 million shekels (Dh684.5m) in uncollected taxes on church properties.
  • Shop owners near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.
    Shop owners near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.