Christian Leaders in Jerusalem Make Statement on Latest Taybeh Attack
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem. Photo: myfranciscan.org
JERUSALEM — After another attack on the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh early Monday morning saw several cars set on fire and threatening graffiti scrawled on homes, the heads of the churches in Jerusalem have released a statement on the ongoing issue there.
The group includes His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who have visited Taybeh and even more recently visited Gaza following the strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church.
Beginning the statement by expressing "profound concern and unwavering condemnation" following yet another attack on Taybeh, the church leaders go on to explain how this is not an isolated occurrence, but rather "an alarming pattern of settler violence against West Bank communities."
"Masked individuals - some armed, others on horseback - roamed the streets, spreading terror and threatening the sanctity of daily life," the statement says. "Fire reached the very walls of the ancient church, a living testament to the Christian faith's enduring presence in the Holy Land."
The statement also says that Israeli police have reduced the matter to one of property damage, ignoring the broader context of "systematic intimidation and abuse." Not only that, but Israeli-settler affiliated groups have launched reactionary disinformation campaigns which, instead of responding to the serious allegations, seek to discredit victims.
Because of this, the church leaders demanded in their statement that the Israeli government act with moral clarity and commitment to:
- Hold accountable those responsible for these crimes without delay
- Ensure effective and consistent protection for the people of Taybeh and all vulnerable communities
- Uphold its obligations under international law and guarantee equality before the law
"We extend heartfelt gratitude to the diplomatic missions and international partners who have visited Taybeh and stood in solidarity with its people," the statement concludes. "Your presence offers hope and moral strength. We urge you to continue your support. The aggression persists - and so must our united vigilance and prayer for peace rooted in justice."
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