Qasr al-Yahud baptismal site reopens after NIS 25 million facelift
New-look Christan holy site in West Bank includes wide wooden deck for safe access to water, new shower and changing facility, a prayer pergola, and landscaping
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
The Qasr al-Yahud-Jordan River Crossing baptismal site in the West Bank reopened on Tuesday after extensive renovations totaling NIS 25 million ($8.1 million).
It is the third-most important Christian site in the area covering Israel and the West Bank, after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Christian pilgrims from around the world come to immerse themselves in the waters of the Jordan River, following the Christian tradition that John the Baptist baptized Jesus at the spot some two thousand years ago.
The works, funded by the Tourism Ministry and the Civil Administration, and carried out by the Government Tourism Company, included upgrading roads, parking lots, and landscaping, constructing a prayer pergola and a large, air-conditioned restroom building with hot showers and changing cubicles, and laying a wide wooden deck for safe access to the river water.
There are plans to build an air-conditioned auditorium later this year for prayers and events in all weather conditions, as well as an access path to the water for people with disabilities.
The Times of Israel Community.