The last Christian town in the West Bank, Taybeh, has been declared a closed military zone by the Israeli army. The army, the IDF, says that this is to address ongoing attacks by illegal settlers on the town. Bishop James Curry, Lead Bishop for the Holy Land for the Bishops’ Conference, has expressed his concern at the move.
“I was deeply alarmed to hear that Taybeh has been declared a closed military zone prohibiting Israelis, foreign nationals, and journalists from entering. It is claimed that this is designed to prevent attacks on residents by Israeli settlers, but it is far from clear that this move will achieve that objective. The Israeli government must find a way of protecting the legitimate communities from settler violence whilst allowing citizens to go about their normal business. This ban will lead to a vital loss of income from tourism and pilgrimages and, thereby, international scrutiny on the situation.
“The problem of settler intimidation is a very real one. When I visited the village as part of the Holy Land Coordination in January, the community reported ongoing attacks and intimidation, a growing number of checkpoints and endless financial pressures. Families were leaving because they simply could not see how they could raise their children in safety and security. It was unacceptable then and it is unacceptable now. The universal Church has been very clear on this – human dignity cannot apply to one person and not the other.
“We have shared these accounts with Catholic MPs and relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups. There is a clear understanding of the seriousness of the situation, yet our government does not appear to be acting with sufficient urgency in responding to grave human rights abuses taking place in the West Bank, often without accountability and sufficient pressure being placed on the Israeli authorities to protect communities from violence. These attacks constitute a serious breach of international law and stand in violation of freedom of religion.
“I urge Catholics across England and Wales to stand in solidarity with the people of Taybeh. Please write to your Member of Parliament asking them to consider and act on the situation in Taybeh as well as in the wider West Bank.
“The Christian presence in the Holy Land is a vital part of the region’s DNA and has survived for more than 2,000 years. It would be a tragedy for Palestinians and Israelis alike if it were to disappear altogether.
“The parish priest of Taybeh, Father Bashar Fawadleh, summed it up when he pointed out that Christians simply want to live alongside their neighbours ‘in peace, with justice and dignity.'”
Parish communities in England and Wales are encouraged to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Palestine who are facing extreme political and social-economic pressure.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s pastoral letter They Returned to Jerusalem with Great Joy offers a valuable insight into the enduring suffering in the Holy Land. Rooted in the Gospel, the letter will help Catholics in our countries to deepen their understanding of the many challenges faced by minority communities, including Christians, in the region.
Bishop James Curry has backed the Time to Act campaign to affirm the human dignity and flourishing of everyone who calls the Holy Land home. Click here for prayer resources and more.
