The Church Of Holy Sepulchre May Close Over An Unpaid Water Tax Bill

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Orthodox holy fire ceremony. The site attracts more than 1 million pilgrims annually. Photograph: Nir Elias/Reuters

Church Of Holy Sepulchre Bank Account Frozen Over £1.5m Water Bill -- The Guardian

Standoff over unpaid water bill could result in closure of revered church believed to be site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial.

One of the most venerated sites in the Christian faith, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected, is facing a financial crisis over an unpaid water bill in a row that could result in its closure.

The church, which attracts more than 1 million pilgrims each year, has been issued with a 9m shekel (£1.5m) water bill, backdated 15 years to when the supply was taken over by a new company, Hagihon.

As a result of the church's failure to pay, Hagihon has secured the freezing of the bank account of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, which is jointly responsible for the church's administration.

Read more ....

My Comment: A 9m shekel (£1.5m) water bill .... this is outrageous, and only fuels the rumor mill that Israeli authorities are turning a blind eye to preserving holy Christian sites.