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Christians in al-Quds warn that settler attacks will not go unanswered

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Oct 2023 00:18
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Israeli media say dozens of embassies have asked the Israeli occupation Foreign Ministry for explanations, following the attacks on Christians in occupied al-Quds

Orthodox Christian worshippers carry crosses during the Good Friday procession at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead, in Jerusalem's Old City, Friday, April 14, 2023. (AP)

The leaders of the Christian community in occupied al-Quds warned against the continued attacks of the Israeli settlers targeting the Christians of the city, promising a response "from the youth", in case these attacks do not stop.

Israeli media also reported that dozens of foreign embassies have requested explanations from the Israeli occupation Foreign Ministry, following the attacks on Christians in the Palestinian capital.

Moreover, the Armenian community in the city also requested the occupation municipality and its police to offer them "prayer protection" from settler attacks. However, the Armenian Christians were faced with nothing but further discrimination practices, and their requests were rejected.

In turn, the Roman Catholic archimandrite of the Archdiocese of al-Quds Abdullah Daniel Julio told Al Mayadeen that "Israel does not want Arabs, whether Muslims or Christians, to remain in Palestine. If the occupation's attacks on Christians and their sanctuaries continue, our churches will turn into mere museums."

Father Julio also underscored that "this is a war on identity, and a war against the continued presence of Arabs in al-Quds," urging the need "to strengthen the presence of Arabs and Palestinians in al-Quds

"إسرائيل لا تريد بقاء العرب، سواء المسلمون أو المسيحيون، في #فلسطين. وإذا استمرت اعتدءات الاحتلال على المسيحيين ومقدساتهم، فإن كنائسنا ستتحول إلى مجرد متاحف"

الأرشمندريت عبد الله يوليو لـ #الميادين pic.twitter.com/y610sUMdiY
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) October 3, 2023

WCC condemns Israeli suppression of religious freedom

Earlier in August, the World Council of Churches condemned the Israeli occupation's violation of religious freedom in occupied Palestine.

In a strongly worded statement, the Council stated that the Israeli occupation prevented thousands of worshippers from celebrating the Christian holiday of the transfiguration of Jesus on "Mount Tabor" in Lower al-Jaleel.

It is worth noting that the transfiguration of Jesus is considered one of the most important Christian holidays. Celebrations are held annually on "Mount Tabor", and up to 10,000 Christians take part in the events.

The Council, which encompasses thousands of churches around the world, considered the denial of access to the church for the celebration as a "violation of the freedom of worship."

The Secretary-General of the organization, Reverend Jerry Filo, as reported by the Israeli Ynet website, said, "At least 1,000 cars were waiting at the barriers set up by the Israeli police on their way to the church, resulting in a delay of two and a half hours."

Filo noted that "a member of the administrative committee of the Council was among those detained."

The Council includes 349 churches from all over the world, followed by 590 million worshippers, and its headquarters are located in the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland.