A Melkite Catholic community has called for “solidarity with the Christians in the Holy Land and especially in Maghar” as the first anniversary of an attack against local Christians approaches.

A Melkite Catholic community has called for “solidarity with the Christians in the Holy Land and especially in Maghar” as the first anniversary of an attack against local Christians approaches.

The Germany-based Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in a statement reported: “To mark the occasion, the parish priest, Father Abud Maher, will organize an hour of prayer for reconciliation and forgiveness in Maghar on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.”

A year ago Druze youngsters rioted for two days in the Christian neighborhood in Maghar, a town in Galilee, after rumors circulated about an Internet posting.

Father Maher invited all his parishioners to light candles on this day and display them in the window of their homes — as a visible sign “of forgiveness and a fresh start to life in reconciliation.”

The mayor of Maghar tried to discourage the priest from organizing the prayer campaign because he “could not protect those who take part in it from possible attacks,” ACN said.

Nevertheless, Father Maher was adamant that the prayer would take place “even if it costs me my life.”

Maghar is a town of 20,000 residents, about 15 kilometers (10 miles) from the Sea of Galilee and 40 kilometers from Nazareth. More than half of the town’s population is Druze; Muslims make up 20% and Melkite Catholics account for 22%.

Haunting memories

A year ago, the outbreak of violence was sparked by a false rumor that a Christian student had posted indecent pictures of Druze girls on the Internet.

Subsequently, Druze youngsters rioted for two days in the Christian neighborhood. The Israeli police failed to do anything to protect the Christians until an appeal by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the apostolic nuncio, led them to re-establish control over the village.

According to Father Maher, the violence left “seven people injured — two from gunshot wounds — and 70 stores and homes looted and burned. The facade of the church was damaged by stone throwers, 155 cars were torched and 2,000 Christians fled to nearby villages.”

In his report on the attack, Father Maher said: “The images of hatred and fear will haunt our children to the end of their lives, the images of refugees running for their lives will be imprinted in our memories, the events of Maghar will be remembered forever, out of groundless hatred — an attack on the powerless and an oversight of the police.”

To date, none of the perpetrators has been arrested nor have the victims been granted any compensation for the inflicted damages.

Marie-Ange Siebrecht, head of ACN’s Middle East Section, said: “It is our duty to speak out against this discrimination of Christians and we call upon all people of good will to join the Maghar parish in their prayer and efforts at reconciliation.”