We, the Patriarchs and the Heads of Churches in this Land, are concerned for the recent developments and the spiral violence directly affecting the lives of the people. We are distressed to find that the bloodshed is increasing in this Country. We are saddened to see more widows, orphans, mourning fathers and mothers on both sides. We deplore the increase of injured people because of killing, shelling bombarding, violence and incursion. We ask “”Is this the future that we all want for our children?””
A CALL
FROM THE HEADS OF CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM
TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN THIS HOLY LAND,
PALESTINIANS AND ISRAELIS
“There is a time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for building; … a time for throwing stones away, a time for gathering them; … a time for war, a time for peace” (Eccl. 3,3-8).
We believe that the key to a just peace is in the hands of both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority. War shelling and destruction will not bring justice and security; rather it will intensify hatred and bitterness.
We believe that Israeli and Palestinian peoples are called to be partners in an historic peace.
We would confirm that we care for the security of both Peoples just as we care for the security of every human being. But the way the present Israeli Government is dealing with the situation makes neither for security nor for a just peace. We believe that the Israeli security is dependant on the Palestinian freedom and justice. For this reason, we join our voices with every Israeli and Palestinian seeking for a just peace. We ask everyone to take the appropriate measures to stop further massacres or tragedies for our two peoples. We want to say a frank, honest word to the Israeli conscience and the Israeli Government asking that you stop all kinds of destruction and death caused by the heavy Israeli weaponry. What assurance can be offered to a people deprived of freedom, self-determination, sovereignty and equality with every Israeli citizen?
To the Palestinian people we urge an end of every kind of violent response.
We believe that the way of peace is the way of negotiation. If there is a strong will for making peace all the pending disputed problems will find a dignified solution.
We appeal to the Israeli people to work for their security in such a way that is just and in which the Palestinians may enjoy their rights as represented in the International Legitimacy. We ask you in the name of the Living God, Whom we all worship, to raise your voice for justice, peace, and reconciliation which are the cry of the soul of all peoples of the world.
Inspired by the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes, We can say: “”We have tried war, stones, killing and destruction all the period of the conflict. Time has come for peace, justice and the collecting of stones for building, reconciliation and healing””. Our prayers for peace are more urgently needed than ever.
Know that we have contacted our partner Churches abroad with their respective Governments to seek their assistance in our quest for peace.
“”I will hear what God proclaims; for He proclaims peace to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in Him their hope”” (Ps 85,9).
+ Patriarch Irenios I: Greek Orthodox Patriarch
+ Patriarch Michel Sabbah: Latin Patriarch
+ Patriarch Torkom II: Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarch
Father Giovanni Battistelli, O.F.M.: Custos of the Holy Land.
+ Anba Abraham: Coptic Orthodox Archbishop
+ Swerios Malki Mourad: Syrian Orthodox Archbishop
+ Abba Cuostos: Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop
+ Paul Nabil Sayyah: Maronite Patriarchal Exarch
+ Bishop Riah Abu Al-Assal: Episcopal Church Bishop of Jerusalem
+ Bishop Mounib Younan: Lutheran Evangelical Bishop
+ Archimandrite Mtanious Haddad: Greek Catholic Patriarchal Exarch
+ Georges Khazzoum: Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarch
Fr. Elias Tabban: for the Syrian Catholic Exarchate
Jerusalem, March 9, 2002
Press Release
Bethlehem University Attacked in Latest Israeli Incursion
9 March 2002
The IDF fired a wire-guided missile at newly-inaugurated Millennium Hall at about 9:00 last night (8 March). It punched a hole through the stone-clad reinforced concrete wall, blasting out windows and window frames on two floors, damaging Classrooms 302 and 402. The impact of the powerful blast spread to other parts of the building, as well as to the nearby Institute of Hotel Management and the Social and Cultural Center on campus. It is fortunate that no one was near enough to be injured or killed.
This missile attack, devastating in physical and psychological implications, is but one result of unprecedented brutal aggression on the Palestinian people in recent days. Statistics of casualties and damage continue to change, but at this writing seven deaths and over a hundred injuries have been reported in Bethlehem alone in the past two days. In addition, the entire city and surroundings has been traumatized and terrorized as never before by the ominous sounds of helicopters and drones and threats of gunship and tank attacks. Beit Jala, next to Bethlehem, is still under curfew with over 40 huge tanks surrounding the village preventing movement in and out of homes and on the streets. Deheisheh Camp, which has suffered extensive human loss and damage, is also under curfew.
As a demoralized and battered people braces itself for another night of trepidation and fear, the following questions continue to remain unanswered:
How long will illegal occupation and oppression of ft people struggling for freedom and basic human rights be allowed to continue?
When will the senseless sacrifice of innocent lives of both oppressed and oppressor come to an end?
What can be done to mobilize the international community, whom many see as the only potential force capable of exerting legitimate influence, to assume greater moral responsibility in resolving the situation?
We at Bethlehem appeal to you, once again; to do whatever you can to put an end to this escalating tragic situation. We urge you, in whatever forum you deem effective, to:
1. Pressure Israel to withdraw its military immediately from all Palestinian territories.
2. Push for international intervention to help the two sides return to negotiation.
3. Insist that those responsible for inhumane attacks on innocent persons be accountable and brought to justice.
4. Pray for just peace for the Holy Land.
Brother Vincent Malham, FSC
President – Vice Chancellor
