“When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it saying, “If you had known in this day, the things which make for peace. But now they have been hidden from your eyes.'” These words of Jesus were never truer than they are today in 2002, as Jerusalem is the today the scene of devastating violence, bloodshed, and sorrow. This has been true for these recent months as it has been throughout Israel/Palestine’s history.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it saying, “If you had known in this day, the things which make for peace. But now they have been hidden from your eyes.'”  These words of Jesus were never truer than they are today in 2002, as Jerusalem is the today the scene of devastating violence, bloodshed, and sorrow.  This has been true for these recent months as it has been throughout Israel/Palestine’s history.

As Easter time is upon us, we cannot help but think of our Savior, particularly his ceaseless love for Jerusalem and the whole world. It is only Easter’s promise of resurrection and new life that we cling to during these very dark days.

Our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters are walking the Via Dolorosa every day in the tight grip of a cruel and foreign military occupation.  Schools have been closed, the economy shut-down, travel restricted and all the normal things of life shattered over the past year.

On March 30th, 2002 the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) will celebrate its 3rd anniversary.  For three years, the institution has been focusing on the Christians of the Holy Land and striving to address their needs.   HCEF has been extending a helping hand to the suffering Christians of the Holy Land.  It has encouraged them to remain in the land of our Savior’s birth and maintain the Christian heritage. 

For those of you who are already working with us, we ask you to keep up this work.  Easter time is a good time of remembrance.  Perhaps you are able to send a special Easter gift to HCEF which will go to our Palestinian Christian partners. If you have not been a part of the work of HCEF in the past, please prayerfully consider joining us by getting in touch with us at HCEF.
All around, Palestinians experience pain and destruction are tempted to see a future without hope. But, as Christian, we know that Easter and resurrection will surely come Our Lord Jesus has told us,  ” I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

In the meanwhile, we relay Easter greetings to you from the Christians, in Palestine,
Jordan and Israel, Christians of the “mother church” in Jerusalem.  May the Lord give you Easter joy.

In Christ,
Rateb Y. Rabie, KHS, President