Alexandra Sirgant, Linda Bordoni, Piotr Kowalczuk
The parish priest of At-Tajjiba, Father Bashar Fawadleh, spoke to Vatican News about the constantly deteriorating situation of Christians, appealing for intervention from the international community.
Intimidation and Provocations
Father Fawadleh recalled that last July, settlers set fire to the cemetery near the ancient Church of St. George, one of the oldest Christian temples in Palestine, opened fire, and wrote threatening slogans on the walls. “They drive their cows,” says the parish priest, “to eat the fruit from our trees. When we want to harvest olives, they shoot. They set fire to our cars. On March 19, they broke into our cement factory, performed Talmudic religious rituals, and prayed. They hung an Israeli flag on one of the warehouses.” Despite the intervention of the Israeli police, they did the same the next day. According to the parish priest, these and similar incidents are part of a broader plan to force residents to leave their homes and take control of the territories between East Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley.
We cannot move freely
Father Fawadleh pointed out that after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Palestinians working in Jerusalem do not receive permits. As a result, several hundred Christians from Taybeh lost their jobs. In addition, Israeli patrols are stationed everywhere at intersections and junctions. Communication is practically paralyzed. The clergyman informed that the vast majority of residents, for now, do not intend to leave Taybeh, but this year 15 families have moved abroad.
The Church helps
Father Fawadleh emphasized that “the Church is present.” After the settlers’ attack last July, the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and representatives of international organizations came to At-Tajjiba. A concrete result of this visit was the construction of a school, a home for the elderly, a medical center under the care of Caritas, and the creation of an online local radio station. This created over a hundred new jobs for residents.
Father Fawadleh’s Appeal
The parish priest told Vatican News that despite recent attacks and the difficult situation, the Christian community in At-Tajjiba has maintained hope, but raises its voice to convey: “We are Palestinian civilians. We want to live in peace. We want justice. We want representatives of the international community to come to us, familiarize themselves with the situation, put an end to settler attacks, and allow us to live in peace and security.”
