The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, visiting the community of Taybeh, expressed solidarity with the local community following an intensifying trend of systemic and targeted attacks. “We ask for the prayers, attention, and action of the world, particularly that of Christians globally,” reads a statement from the religious leaders.
On 7 July, radical Israelis from nearby settlements intentionally set fire near the town’s cemetery and the Church of Saint George, which dates back to the 5th century.
“Taybeh is the last remaining all-Christian town in the West Bank,” notes the statement. “These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community first and foremost, but also to the historic and religious heritage of our ancestors and holy sites.”
The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem gave thanks for the local residents and firefighters for extinguishing the fire before the holy sites were destroyed.
“The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches calls for these radicals to be held accountable by the Israeli authorities, who facilitate and enable their presence around Taybeh,” reads the statement. “Even in times of war, sacred places must be protected.”
Patriarchs and Heads of Churches called for an immediate and transparent investigation into why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished.
“The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, which is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taybeh and elsewhere throughout the West Bank,” the statement urges. “This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region.”
