Qasr El Yesud to Reopen to All

This site, the third most important site for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land (after the Church of the Sepulcher and the Church of the Nativity), is considered to be the site where, according to the New Testament, John the Baptist baptized Jesus (Matthew, 3: 13-17). The site is also considered to be the place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan when they entered Canaan.

Because of the importance of the site, which is located on the road to Jericho from Jerusalem, many churches were built here over the centuries. In advance of the millennium, development plans were prepared in order to provide convenient access for pilgrims and a place of prayer, baptism and assembly, together with all necessary conveniences. These plans, which were frozen at the outbreak of the intifada, were refreshed about 2 years ago.

The site, which is expected to be opening within the first few weeks of 2009, will be free of charge to visitors and managed by the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority. No advance coordination will be necessary at this point.The site will be accessible to both Israelis and Palestinians as well as to foreign tourists.