JERUSALEM – the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL) observes with anxiety the latest developments in the “Cremisan” Valley’s case, of which the final verdict is expected any minute now. The last hearing, held on November 30th, 2014 was meant to pressure the residents in order to make a choice between two unacceptable alternatives, both to the community and the Salesian Congregation. ACOHL stands wholeheartedly with achieving justice in “Cremisan” and against building the separation wall, which is contrary to international law. In fact, the wall is intended by Israel, not to achieve security for its pre-June 1967 borders, but to protect the settlements illegally constructed on previously confiscated land in the early seventies and to give more expansion to Gilo and Har Gilo settlements. At the same time, the wall alienates the most basic rights and freedom of the Christian community of Beit Jala.
ACOHL stresses that land confiscation and settlement expansion do not serve peace in the region and warns of the continuous emigration of the “Cremisan” community, mostly Christians, as a result of building the separation wall. ACOHL hopes that the Israeli High Court changes its route and shifts it along the “green line”. The bishops are in favor of building bridges and not walls.
Finally, ACOHL calls on the international community to take immediate action to protect the “Cremisan” valley’s integrity within the Palestinian side and prays for all those in power and authority to wake up and realize the values of justice and peace, based on mutual respect and international legitimacy.
+ Fouad TWAL
Patriarch of Jerusalem for Latins
President A.C.O.H.L.
+ Georges BACAOUNI
Gr. Melkite Cath. Archb of Akko
Vice president A.C.O.H.L.
+ Moussa AL-HAGE
Maronite Archbishop of Haifa
Maronite Exarch of Jerusalem
President Comm. for Consecrated Life
+ Michel SABBAH
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem emeritus
President Comm. Justice and Peace
+ Yaser Al-AYYASH
Gr. Melkite Cath. Archb. of Amman
+ Joseph SOUEIF
Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus
+ Jean B. SLEIMAN
Apost. Adm. ‘sede plena’ of Archep.of Amman
+ Boutros MOUALLEM
Gr. Melkite Cath. Archb. of Akka emeritusA.O.C.T.S. – P.O.B. 20531 – 9120402 Jerusalem (Israel) – Tel.972 2 6288554 – Fax 972 2
Website : www.catholicchurch-holyland.com
+ Elias CHACOUR
Gr. Melkite Cath. Archb. of Akko emeritus
+ Gregoire Pierre MELKI
Syrian Catholic Exarch of Jerusalem
+ Joseph Jules ZEREY
Greek Melkite Catholic Patriarchal Vicar of
Jerusalem
+ Maroun LAHHAM
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan
+ Giacinto-Boulos MARCUZZO
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Israel
+ William SHOMALI
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem & Palestine
+ Kamal-Hanna BATHISH
Latin Patriarchal Vicar general emeritus
+ Selim SAYEGH
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan emeritus
Msgr. Georges DANKAYÉ
Admin Armenian Catholic Exarchate
Fr. Pierbattista PIZZABALLA, OFM
Custos of the Holy Land
Fr. Jerzey KRAJ, OFM.
Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Cyprus
Fr. David NEUHAUS, S.J.
Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew Vicariate
Fr. Pietro FELET, scj
Secretary General
By: LPJ
