Cardinal Pizzaballa by Catholic Church England and Wales (Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk) / Flickr
The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem this week called on the Israeli government to hold accountable the settlers who recently attacked the Christian village of Taybeh in the West Bank.
“We are gravely troubled by the prevailing climate of impunity, which undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes peaceful coexistence in the land of the Resurrection,” they said in the July 29 statement.
The spiritual leaders also criticized official Israeli police statements about an attack on Taybeh that occurred in early July, when suspects allegedly started a fire near the ancient Church of Saint George and the town’s cemetery.
“We regret that official Israeli police statements reduced the matter solely to property damage, omitting the broader context of systematic intimidation and abuse,” they said. “These omissions distort the truth and fail to address violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including the right to religious freedom and the protection of cultural heritage.”
CatholicVote previously reported that a group of extremist Israeli settlers — who call themselves the “Hilltop Youth” — allegedly attacked Taybeh in the early morning of July 28, throwing stones at several homes, attempting to set one on fire, torching three vehicles, and writing threatening messages in graffiti. They fled after Palestinians came out to defend their homes.
The patriarchs and heads of churches said in the July 29 statement that they offer their “profound concern and unwavering condemnation following yet another violent assault that targeted the West Bank Christian town of Taybeh.”
They decried the hateful graffiti and vehicle firebombing as “an unambiguous act of intimidation directed at a peaceful and faithful community rooted in the land of Christ.”
“This grievous incident is not an isolated occurrence,” they continued. “It forms part of an alarming pattern of settler violence against West Bank communities, including their homes, sacred spaces, and ways of life.”
The religious leaders also said they are deeply concerned about “the reactionary disinformation campaign by Israeli settler-affiliated groups, launched in response to recent diplomatic visits to Taybeh.”
“Rather than addressing the grave violations occurring, these narratives seek to discredit victims and diminish the significance of international solidarity,” they continued. “Such distortions aim to deflect scrutiny and sanitize criminal conduct in violation of international norms.”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited Taybeh July 19 and subsequently called for those carrying out acts of terror and violence against the village to be prosecuted. Just days before, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and leaders of the Greek Orthodox and Melkite Greek Catholic churches undertook a pastoral visit to Taybeh.
In their July 29 statement, the patriarchs and heads of churches urged the Israeli government to protect the village and to hold the perpetrators accountable, and thereby “act with moral clarity and commitment.”
“The lack of accountability not only threatens Christian communities but also weakens the moral and legal foundations that uphold peace and justice for all,” they said.
They listed three actions for the government: hold those responsible for the crimes accountable “without delay;” ensure sustainable and longstanding protection for Taybeh’s community and all vulnerable communities; and “uphold its obligations under international law and guarantee equality before the law.”
“We extend heartfelt gratitude to the diplomatic missions and international partners who have visited Taybeh and stood in solidarity with its people,” they concluded. “Your presence offers hope and moral strength. We urge you to continue your support. The aggression persists — and so must our united vigilance and prayer for peace rooted in justice.”