Santiago Taboada
Taybeh, the last Palestinian settlement inhabited exclusively by Christians has been suffering from isolation and the violence of war since July.
The town is identified with the biblical city of Ephraim, where Christ rested with his disciples before the Passion. For months now, Israel has designated it a closed military zone.
This designation means that no non-residents are allowed to enter Taybeh. This measure was taken in response to the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers; Jewish civilians who enter Palestinian territory and force the population out.
The parish priest of Taybeh reported that the residents are subject to harassment, attacks on property, arson and the destruction of farmland.
Pope Leo XIV spoke about the situation during his two Angelus prayers this weekend.
POPE LEO XIV
I renew my call for an end to the repeated acts of violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank, and I urgently call for the international community to ensure that progress is made toward a two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.
My thoughts go out to our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, which is also, par excellence, the Land of Mary.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, visited Taybeh on Saturday to mark the Feast of the Assumption.
There he showed his solidarity with the people and encouraged them during the celebration of the Mass at the Latin Church of Christ the Redeemer.
We will continue to do everything in our power to preserve the Church’s presence here, at every level, throughout the Holy Land. I may not have answers on a human or worldly level, but I believe in God. And I am certain that, in Him, we can continue to bring life, even here in Taybeh. So be courageous. Do not be afraid. Your example is important, so that we can continue to be a Christian voice amid this very complex situation.
The Patriarch said he was aware of the latest news from the region and urged the people to remain steadfast in their faith despite the uncertainty.
