Jesus' Baptism Site to Be Cleared from Mines

Jesus' Baptism
Jesus' Baptism (photo: Pixabay)
By Mei ManuelFebruary 17th, 2018

The ancient site where it is said Jesus was baptized may be reopened for visitors once the de-mining project in the area finally begins.

The site, Qasr al-Yahud, is about 10 kilometres east of Jericho and several churches, chapels and monasteries in its vicinity for pilgrims to visit. However, pilgrimages to the area stopped when Israel blocked the area in 1968. Although an access road was opened through the minefield to the river in 2011, the churches remained close due to the possibility of mines in the area.

According to the report of Times of Israel, the Israeli defense ministry will be working alongside UK-based group HALO Trust to begin the de-mining project with the ministry funding the program.

It is estimated that at least 2,600 anti-tank and 1,200 anti-personnel mines are still buried in the site and HALO believes traps and other devices may also be found in the area.

HALO has already received permission from the various Churches with properties in the site in order to start the work and has raised nearly $1 million to begin the project. It is estimated that $1.5 million would be needed to clear the site in two years. It is also expected that the workers would use a combination of manual and mechanical demining procedures, as well as explosive ordinance disposal.

The clear location as to where Jesus was baptised is heavily debated, but there are monasteries in the area which have records since 400AD regarding the tradition. Aside from Qasr al-Yahud, Al-Maghtas in Jordan is also said to be another possible site where Jesus was baptised.

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