On Monday this week, illegal Jewish settlers have torched a 1,600 year-old Christian Church and historical and archeological site in the village of Taybeh in the West Bank of Palestine. The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George was originally built in the Byzantine period in the 4th century AD. Taybeh is located 12km outside Ramallah.
Jewish settlers also tore and damaged olive trees.
Taybeh is one of the few Palestinian villages that has a mostly Christian community that dates back to early Christian times.
Following the attacks, the Christian communities in Taybeh, the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church came together and issued a statement condemning the attacks and requesting an investigation in the arson attacks. The Christian communities are also requesting support to prevent Jewish settlers accessing their lands, and are also demanding an international delegation by the Church to visit the site and assess the damages.
The statement concluded by stating: “We affirm that the sacred land cannot witness life without its rightful people. If the people are removed from their land, their churches, and their dignity, the land will lose its soul and heart. For this reason, we will continue to carry this cause with its religious, human rights, and just dimensions until the end.”
Jewish settlers are increasingly encroaching and occupying Palestinian land as the Israeli government intends to annex the West Bank.
Newsroom
Leave a Reply