Interfaith Leaders and Diplomats Plead for Gaza Ceasefire as Christmas Approaches

OCP News Service – 23/12/2023

Jerusalem-Holy Land: In a gathering steeped in both hope and urgency, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of the Holy Land joined forces with diplomats from various nations at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on December 18,2023. Convened on the cusp of the Christmas season, the meeting addressed the pressing challenges facing the region, with a particular focus on the escalating conflict in Gaza.

Amidst a cordial atmosphere, His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, set the tone by invoking a message of hope from the Gospel of Saint John. He then issued a strong plea for a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the imperative of protecting vital community service institutions amidst the violence.

Concerns about the ongoing plight of Christians in the Holy Land were also central to the discussions. The Patriarch highlighted the increasing challenges posed by radical Israeli groups, and emphasized the importance of preserving the unique multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious fabric of Jerusalem. He underscored the need for stability and secure Christian Quarters to ensure the continued thriving coexistence of all residents.

The meeting delved deeper into the specific challenges faced in Gaza and Bethlehem. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, painted a stark picture of the dire circumstances in Gaza, emphasizing the crucial need to support those who choose to remain in the besieged Strip. Meanwhile, Father Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land, shed light on the economic hardship inflicted by Israel’s military closures on Bethlehem, particularly its impact on the vital connection between the two cities.

Other Christian spiritual leaders added their voices to the chorus of peace, raising concerns about various pressing issues. The Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Husam Naom, highlighted the pressure on Christian schools to adopt an Israeli curriculum, while concerns regarding the illegitimate Israeli municipal taxes levied on Church property were also brought to light.

In response, diplomatic representatives from Jordan, the EU, Egypt, and France expressed their unequivocal support and commitment to engage and assist the Holy Land communities. The meeting culminated in a resounding call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with the aim of guaranteeing a peaceful Christmas celebration. It also underscored the crucial role of international collaboration in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the region.

This gathering at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem signifies a vital interfaith and diplomatic effort towards a more peaceful future for the Holy Land. The shared message of hope and the urgent plea for a ceasefire resonate particularly poignantly as the world prepares for the Christmas season, urging for a resolution to the conflict and a brighter future for all communities in the region.

Source:

OCP News Service