Israel releases VR tours of Jerusalem’s famous historical sites
- Apr 6, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: May 20, 2020
Devout Filipino Catholics and pilgrims who may not be able to travel or visit the holy sites in Israel, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), will have the chance to see those places during the Holy Week period in the very comfort of their homes through virtual reality on the internet.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, through its Embassy in Manila, shared at least two video links that the public can view while observing the solemnity of the Holy Week. This will be made available anytime between Palm and Easter Sundays while the whole world is practically in a standstill as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Viewers can start the day in the Old City of Jerusalem
(https://samsungvr.com/view/Wv_0tcndBOG) by visiting some of Jerusalem’s famous historical sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the panoramic views of the city from the Mount of Olives. Pilgrims can also experience the Via Dolorosa or Way of the Cross (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTshKXeBdHs) during the Lenten season.
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, holy sites had been shut down, travel and travel planning have been disrupted worldwide. In 2019, around 3,300 Filipino pilgrims visited Israel during the Holy week period, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
Since last month, Israel closed its borders to foreign visitors and all nonresidents are now banned from the Old City of Jerusalem. “Though we can’t be together right now, we want you to know that we miss you. While we all remain in our homes, we want to stay connected with you. Through virtual reality, we know you can still experience Israel with us,” the Tourism office of Israel said.
The Israeli government is confident that travel will make a comeback as soon as the pandemic subsides. “The most important thing now is for each and everyone to be safe and healthy. May God bless the Philippines.” Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism Director for India and the Philippines said in a statement.
06/April/2020
By: Roy Mabasa
Source: https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/06/israel-releases-vr-tours-of-jerusalems-famous-historical-sites/
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