We should not stand for the harassment and threats Israel exercises upon religious leaders who happen to not be able to morally agree with Israel’s continued oppression of Palestinian Christians. We should not allow Israel to silence our pastors by intimidation. Our priest must be allowed to speak for the justice and freedom that our Savior was crucified for and represent.
In a recent speech to Christian pilgrims, Archimandite Dr. Attallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox patriarchate of Jerusalem, echoed what most Christians have recently been advocating: the legal right of Palestinians to just peace, statehood, self determination, and freedom from occupation.
The Israeli Department of Christian Communities disagrees that Archimandrite Attallah has the right to freedom of speech, the right to speak for his parish, or that it is his duty to reflect to his listeners the need and aspirations of the Christians he serves.
Mr. Uri Mor, the Director of the Israeli Department of Christian Communities has sent a threatening letter (read page 1, page 2 in a new window) to His Beatitude Diodoros I the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem demanding disciplinary measures against Archimandrite Attallah Hanna, or else the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate will suffer. This is how the Israeli Government treats our Christian leaders.
We should not stand for the harassment and threats Israel exercises upon religious leaders who happen to not be able to morally agree with Israel’s continued oppression of Palestinian Christians. We should not allow Israel to silence our pastors by intimidation. Our priest must be allowed to speak for the justice and freedom that our Savior was crucified for and represent.
HCEF supports the freedom of Archimandrite Attallah, and that of all Christians, to preach His word, and to stand on the side of the oppressed as our Jesus did.
HCEF sent a letter to Archimandrite Attalah with copies to His Beatitude Diodoros I and to the Israeli Department of Christian Communities to show our support, and we hope you will do the same. The Orient House in Jerusalem is advocating Archimandrite Attalah’s case and they are attempting to alert everyone. Please send them a copy of your letter or fax. Also, ask your friends, your church, and other organizations to join this effort.
Send your faxes and letters to:
Archimandrite Attallah Hanna
Jerusalem
Fax: 972-2-6263078
Mr. Uri Mor
Director Department of Christian Communities Ministry of Religious Affairs
18 Shlomzion-Ha-Malka St.
“AHIM Israel” Bldg.
1st Floor
P. O. Box 13059
Jerusalem, Israel 91130
Fax: 972-2-6236591
His Beatitude Diodoros I
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Jerusalem, Israel
Fax: 972-2-6282048
Orient House
Orient House Bldg.
P.O. Box 20479
Jerusalem, Israel
Fax: 972-2-6272617 or 6274020
