BEIT JALA – Bishops of Holy Land Coordination went on Tuesday 13 January 2015 on a sightseeing in Cremisan Valley to get updated on the development of the project of the Separation Wall, due to separate fifty Palestinian and Christian families from their lands.
Located along the borders of Beit Jala, occupied in 1967, Cremisan Valley welcomed on Tuesday 16 prelates from Holy Land Coordination, coming from Europe, North America and South Africa. They were received by Fr Faysal Hijazeen, Administrator of Beit Jala Parish, accompanied by the lawyer of Society St Yves who defends the cause of Cremisan, in presence of representatives of land owners, one of them being Ricardo Hani, present as well as of British Consul General.
In his welcoming speech, Fr Faysal tried to explain matters and to sum up the case of Cremisan and of the wall. Then lawyers of Society St Yves carried on the explanation, using maps and studies, in order to underscore the political and economical dimensions of the project, and also the consequences on the Sisters’ school.
Prelates of Holy Land Coordination come over here to show their support to the oppressed of the Holy Land. After Gaza, they went to Beit Jala to follow up from close the situation of injustice which menaces the Valley. Back in their parishes and home countries, they will interpret the voice of the voice-less.
As to the family representatives, Mr Hani pointed out that the construction of the wall on lands of Beit Jala inhabitants is an offense against people’s normal life. Lands in Cremisan Valley – agricultural and plenty of olive trees – are very fertile. Seizing these lands will have serious consequences on life of families which cultivate them “it is a crime that should be stopped”. He concluded by calling the attention on the environmental consequences of such a project on the area.
Many press agencies, local and international, were present and were able to interview several bishops and priests, as well as the British Consul General, in order to convey a clear message of what is going on in Cremisan, how Palestinian Christians are directly affected.
By: Waseem Kasabri
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
