The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine held a solidarity vigil on Sunday in the square of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, expressing solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attack on St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Karak Governorate, Jordan, and reaffirming the Palestinian people’s unwavering support for their Jordanian brothers and sisters in the face of this tragedy.
The vigil brought together a broad cross-section of official, popular and church representatives from across the Christian churches. Those in attendance included Bethlehem Governor Mohammed Taha Abu Alia, Dr. Tahani Al-Lawzi, representing Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith, representatives of the security services, the mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, prominent public figures, representatives of national factions, and youth and scout groups, alongside institutions from Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Committee member Dr. Samir Hazboun, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, affirmed that Jordan’s tragedy was a shared tragedy for the entire Palestinian people. He said the grief engulfing the people of Karak had resonated deeply across Palestine, stressing that what affects Jordan affects Palestine, and that the bonds of brotherhood, shared history and common destiny unite the two peoples in their pain.
Khouri unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack and rejected all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, as well as any attempt to sow discord or undermine the unity and cohesion of society. He stressed that targeting innocent people and places of worship, regardless of religious affiliation or belief, is an assault on human and religious values and on every person’s right to life, security and the free and dignified practice of their faith. Religion, he affirmed, can never serve as a pretext for violence, killing or hatred. He also warned against verbal and ideological terrorism and incitement across digital platforms, cautioning that such rhetoric can pave the way for violence and attacks.
Reaffirming his solidarity with Jordan, Khouri extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He prayed that God would protect Jordan, its people and its leadership, and preserve the Kingdom’s security and stability. He further underscored the deep-rooted bonds of Palestinian-Jordanian brotherhood and the unity of both peoples in confronting terrorism and attempts to sow discord.
Bethlehem Governor Mohammed Taha Abu Alia strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a crime against humanity and human values that demands a resolute response to terrorism and extremism. He likened the attack to an act of self-destruction, as it targets members of the same society and threatens its unity and cohesion. He also highlighted the difficult circumstances confronting Bethlehem and the Palestinian people.
Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania affirmed that Bethlehem, a city of profound religious, national and humanitarian significance, stood firmly alongside the people of Jordan in their time of grief. He stressed that attacks on places of worship would not diminish the values of love, peace and brotherhood that the city embodies.
Dr. Tahani Al-Lawzi, representing Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith, conveyed a message of solidarity from Jerusalem, to the people of Jordan. She extended condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the terrorist attack.
Sheikh Abdul Majeed Amarna, Mufti of Bethlehem Governorate, affirmed that Bethlehem would remain a model of national unity and solidarity among all its people. He stressed that Palestinian unity remains a bulwark against attempts to sow division and discord, underscoring the importance of preserving and strengthening this national legacy.
Speaking on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Venedictos, Patriarchal Vicar in Bethlehem, Father Issa Thaljieh, priest of the Greek Orthodox parish in Bethlehem, expressed solidarity with Jordan, its people and its Church. He stressed that targeting churches and other places of worship is an assault on human dignity, freedom of worship and the values that unite humanity. Terrorism, he affirmed, has no religion. He also highlighted the deep-rooted Christian presence in Jordan and Palestine and the enduring bonds of brotherhood and unity between Muslims and Christians.
Hussein Rahhal, representing the Factional Coordination Committee in Bethlehem Governorate, likewise affirmed the unity of the Palestinian people, Muslims and Christians alike, as one national fabric bound by brotherhood, a shared sense of belonging and a common destiny.
