Jerusalem, Israel — Christian leaders in the Holy Land are raising alarms over recent extremist actions targeting the Christian-majority community in Taybeh, a town in the West Bank. On July 7, a group of settlers set fire to cars, vandalized homes, and damaged the historic fifth-century Church of St. George, prompting widespread condemnation.
Following a visit from diplomats and church officials, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches issued a statement holding Israeli authorities accountable for the rise of extremist activity in the area. “Even in times of conflict, sacred sites deserve protection,” the joint statement emphasized.
The Council urgently called for accountability from the Israeli authorities, criticizing their inaction during recent assaults on the community. Church leaders noted the need for a thorough investigation into why local police failed to respond to emergency calls during the attacks. “The ongoing violence is alarming,” they said, as they highlighted claims that emergency services did not arrive when summoned.
Father Bashar Fawadleh, the parish priest of Taybeh’s Roman Catholic community, expressed frustration at the lack of protection from Israeli forces. He recounted instances where calls for help went unanswered, indicating that soldiers often appear to favor the settlers due to their ties with the local community. “The soldiers are influenced by fanatical elements within the government,” Fawadleh remarked.
The situation has led to a significant exodus from Taybeh, with ten families reported to have left amid ongoing tensions. Fawadleh noted that for nearly a month leading up to the violence, settlers allowed their livestock to graze in the region’s cherished olive groves, a vital source of income for local residents. He warned that such actions threaten the upcoming harvest season in October.
Reflecting on the recent violent episode, Fawadleh described how armed settlers attacked the Church of St. George, igniting a fire near the entrance. “It was shocking,” he said. He recounted how local youth intervened to extinguish the flames as the assailants watched without taking action. This act of desecration has further escalated fears within the community.
In their joint statement, church leaders urged international diplomats and politicians to advocate on behalf of the residents of Taybeh. They stressed the importance of fostering a safe environment where the community can practice their faith and cultivate their lands without fear. “A peaceful existence seems increasingly elusive,” they lamented, calling for solidarity and support from the global community.
The concerns raised by Taybeh’s Christian leaders are part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions affecting religious minorities in the region. As the situation develops, the calls for protection and accountability grow louder, signaling a critical moment for coexistence in this historically rich yet troubled land.