Christian Orthodox Pilgrims Remember the Jordan River

A Christian orthodox pilgrim immerses herself in a plastic bath with water pumped out from the Jordan River during a ritual baptism.

Jewish border policemen lineup in front of Christian orthodox pilgrims in order to prevent them from accessing the waters of the Jordan River during a ritual baptism on 22 April 2008 at the baptismal site of Qasr al-Yahud.

Thousands of Orthodox Christian pilgrims flocked under a scorching sun today to the site where they believe Jesus was baptized but could not take the traditional plunge into the Jordan River.

In the past, pilgrims rushed into the river to perform ritual immersions in commemoration of their baptisms, but that has became an issue in recent years because of security, otherwise this usually closed military area is only open to the public a few times a year.

It is thought some measure may be taken into consideration especially this time of year, due to the Christian orthodox pilgrims Easter holiday.