Clerics accuse West Bank settlers of attacking Christian sites
Christian leaders accused Israeli settlers on Monday, July 14, of attacking sacred sites in the West Bank, in violence that one said was forcing some to consider quitting the occupied territory.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III — visiting the Christian town of Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics — said settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th century church there last week.
"These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community ... but also to the historic and religious heritage," the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh.
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00:00I hope for the time being afterwards when they enter, we can start.
00:27On Monday, 7th of July, 25, radical Israelis from nearby settlements intentionally set fire near the town cemetery at the Church of St. George, which dates back to the 5th century.
00:45Taive is the last remaining all-Christian town in the West Valley.
00:52These actions are a direct and international threat to our local community first and foremost,
01:00but also to the historic and religious heritage of our sisters and holy sites.
01:09In the face of such threats, the greatest act of bravery is to continue to call this your home.
01:18We stand with you, we support your resilience, and you have our prayers.
01:25I am bored at the beginning of the Saturday attacks on Taive.
01:29Last month, several homes were attacked by these radicals, lighting fires and directing a billboard that said, translating to English, there is no future for you here.
01:44The Church has had a faithful presence in this region for nearly 2,000 years.
01:51We firmly reject this message of exclusion and reaffirm our commitment to the Holy Land that is a mosaic of different faiths, living peacefully together in dignity and safety.
02:07The Council, the Patriarchs and the Heads of the Church, calls for these radicals to be held accountable by the Israeli authorities,
02:18who actually facilitate and enable their presence around Taive.
02:24Even in times of war, holy sites must be protected.
02:34We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community,
02:47and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished.
02:52The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, who is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taive and elsewhere throughout the West Bank.
03:05This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region.
03:13The last two years, I know better the numbers, in the Bethlehem area, Bethlehem means Bethlehem, Bethzada, Bethzahou, almost half of families already left, unfortunately.
03:26The temptation to emigrate is there, because of the situation.
03:33So it is not the first time we have conflict, we have the Intifada, the first, the second and so on.
03:42The problem is that this time, it is very difficult to see how and when this will finish.
03:50And especially for the youth, to talk about hope, trust for the future, to build their family here, is something that everyone would like to do.
04:00It is not that simple even to think how it is possible.
04:05It is very nice of you today.
04:21It is not that simple.
04:23It is the situation.
04:26This is the Byzantium church.
04:31This is the Byzantium church.
04:49It is the typing, the text, the text, the text the text, the text, and the text.
