Despite an initial search, I have not found public written statements by Jewish or Muslim leaders. I searched specifically for statements by the two chief rabbis of Israel, and by the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, but to no avail. If I find them later, I will add them.
Highlights in the statements are my own.
Português: Neste post tentarei reunir as declarações dos principais líderes religiosos da região, sobre a actual guerra entre as Forças Armadas de Israel e o Hamas, em Gaza.
Apesar dos meus esforços, ainda não consegui encontrar declarações públicas de líderes muçulmanos e judeus. Procurei especificamente dos dois Rabinos-mor de Israel e do Grão-Mufti de Jerusalém, mas sem sucesso. Se os encontrar adicioná-los-ei.
Os realces nos textos - que estão todos em inglês - são da minha responsabilidade.
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem unite in a call for peace and justice
The Holy Land, a place sacred to countless millions around the world, is currently mired in violence and suffering due to the prolonged political conflict and the lamentable absence of justice and respect for human rights. We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, have time and again appealed for the importance of respecting the historic and legal Status Quo of the holy shrines. In these trying times, we come together to raise our voices in unity, echoing the divine message of peace and love for all humanity.
As custodians of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Holy
Land, we stand in solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring
the devastating consequences of continued strife. Our faith, which is
founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, compels us to advocate for the
cessation of all violent and military activities that bring harm to both
Palestinian and Israeli civilians.
We unequivocally condemn any acts that target civilians, regardless of
their nationality, ethnicity, or faith. Such actions go against the
fundamental principles of humanity and the teachings of Christ, who
implored us to "love your neighbour as yourself" {Mark 12:31).
It is our fervent hope and prayer that all parties involved will heed this
call for an immediate cessation of violence. We implore political leaders and authorities to engage in sincere
dialogue, seeking lasting solutions that promote justice, peace, and
reconciliation for the people of this land, who have endured the burdens
of conflict for far too long.
In our capacity as spiritual leaders, we extend our hands to all those who
suffer, and we pray that the Almighty may grant comfort to the afflicted,
strength to the weary, and wisdom to those in positions of
authority. We call upon the international community to redouble its efforts to
mediate a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, based on equal rights
for all and on international legitimacy.
Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul: "For God is not a God of
disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). In the spirit of this divine
message, we implore all to work tirelessly towards an end to violence and
the establishment of a just and lasting peace that will allow the Holy Land
to be a beacon of hope, faith, and love for all.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with us all during these challenging times.
Statement on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Today, an emergency committee of the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem met for prayer and consultation over the grave humanitarian crisis that has befallen all of us. Our beloved Holy Land has changed dramatically over the past week. We are witnessing a new cycle of violence with an unjustifiable attack against all civilians. Tensions continue to rise and more innocent and vulnerable people are paying the ultimate price as the dramatic level of death and destruction in Gaza clearly show.
The order to evacuate the north of Gaza and to ask 1.1 million people -
including all the members of our Christian communities there - to relocate
to the south within 24 hours will only deepen an already disastrous
humanitarian catastrophe. Gaza’s entire population is being deprived of
electricity, water, fuel supplies, food, and medicine. According to UN
sources, 423,000 people have already been displaced because of the
destruction of their homes.
Many civilians in Gaza have said to us that there are no realistic ways in
which they can evacuate to safety in any direction. We call upon the State of Israel, with the support of the International
Community, to allow humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza so that the
thousands of innocent civilians may receive medical treatment and basic
supplies.
Moreover, we call upon all parties to deescalate this war in order to
save innocent lives while still serving the cause of justice.
Finally, in support of all those who have suffered in this war and of the
families reeling from the violence, we call upon the people of our
congregations and all those of goodwill around the world to observe a Day of
Prayer and Fasting on Tuesday, October 17th.
There is yet time to stop the hatred.
13/10/2023 Source
Mourning Civilian Victims of the Massacre in Gaza and Extending Solidarity to the Episcopal Diocese
We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, join together in profound solidarity with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as we bear witness to the criminal attack that unfolded within the precincts of the Al Ahli Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza. This heart-wrenching crime occurred on a day when the Christian community had convened in earnest prayer, beseeching the heavens for peace, reconciliation, and the cessation of the war on Gaza.
Drawing inspiration from the enduring human spirit in the face of
overwhelming adversity, we recall the verse from Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is
close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This
spirit is embodied in the face of the horrifying shattering of a sanctuary
of compassion and healing in Gaza, culminating in the tragic loss of
hundreds of innocent lives.
In unyielding unity, we vehemently denounce this crime with our strongest
condemnation. The initial reports of the Church hospital in Gaza tragedy
have left us steeped in sorrow, for it represents a profound transgression
against the very principles held by humanity. Hospitals, designated as
sacred havens under international law, have been desecrated by Military
Forces.
We unequivocally declare this atrocity as an egregious crime, one demanding
the severest censure and international accountability. We implore the
global community to embrace its sacred duty to shield civilians and to
ensure that such heinous transgressions are never again permitted.
With heavy hearts, we acknowledge the profound loss of life at Al Ahli
Anglican Episcopal Hospital. We hereby declare full solidarity with our
brothers and sisters who have borne the unfathomable weight of this assault.
As one united voice, we implore our friends, partners, and all people of
goodwill to stand with us as we grieve the tragic results.
Our prayers and support remain steadfast, and our collective voices rise as an impassioned chorus, calling for justice,
peace, and the cessation of the suffering that has descended upon the
people of Gaza.
18/10/23 Source
Jerusalem’s Christian Spiritual Leaders Host the Archbishop of Canterbury and Collectively Call for Restraint, De-escalation of Violence, and Protection of Civilians
“For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36).
We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, having
gathered in prayer with Jerusalem’s honorable guest, the Most Reverend
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, join with him in expressing,
in the strongest possible terms, our condemnation of the Israeli
airstrikes that exploded without warning at the Orthodox Church compound
of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza on the night of October 19th.
These blasts led to the sudden and catastrophic collapse of two church
halls around the scores of refugees, including women and children, sleeping
within. Dozens found themselves instantly crushed beneath the rubble. Many
were injured—some severely. At last count, eighteen have died, nine of whom were children.
In condemning this attack against a sacred place of refuge, we cannot ignore that this is but the latest instance of innocent
civilians being injured or killed as a result of missile strikes against
other shelters of last resort. Among these are schools and hospitals where
refugees had fled because their homes were demolished in the relentless
bombing campaign waged against residential areas in Gaza over the past two
weeks.
Despite the devastation wrought upon our own and other social, religious,
and humanitarian institutions, we, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches, nevertheless remain fully
committed to fulfilling our sacred and moral duty of offering assistance,
support, and refuge to those civilians who come to us in such desperate
need. Even in the face of ceaseless military demands to evacuate our
charitable institutions and houses of worship, we will not abandon this
Christian mission, for there is literally no other safe place for these
innocents to turn.
As the above passage of Scripture reminds us, our Lord Jesus Christ calls
us to minister to the most vulnerable. And we must do so not only in times
of peace. The church must especially act as the church in times of war, for
that is when human suffering is at its greatest.
Yet we cannot accomplish this mission alone. We therefore call upon the
international community to immediately enforce protections in Gaza for
Sanctuaries of Refuge, such as hospitals, schools, and houses of
worship. And we call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire so that food, water,
and vital medical supplies can safely be delivered to the relief agencies
ministering to the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians in Gaza,
including those operated by our own churches.
Finally, we call upon all warring parties to de-escalate the violence, cease from
indiscriminately targeting civilians on all sides, and operate within the
international rules of warfare. Only in this way, we believe, can the
groundwork be laid for an eventual diplomatic consideration of
longstanding grievances so that a just and lasting peace can finally be
achieved throughout our beloved Holy Land—both in our time, and for
generations to come.
21/10/2023 Source
Statement on the Celebration of Advent and Christmas in the Midst of the War
Each
year during the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmastide, our Christian
communities throughout the Holy Land take great delight in their preparations
for the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In
addition to attendance in religious services, these celebrations have normally
involved participation in numerous public festivities and the largescale
display of brightly lit and expensive decorations as a means of expressing our
joy at the approach and arrival of the Feast of the Nativity.
But
these are not normal times. Since the start of the War, there has been an
atmosphere of sadness and pain. Thousands of innocent civilians, including
women and children, have died or suffered serious injuries. Many more grieve
over the loss of their homes, their loved ones, or the uncertain fate of those
dear to them. Throughout the region, even more have lost their work and are
suffering from serious economic challenges. Yet despite our repeated calls for
a humanitarian ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence, the war continues.
Therefore, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, call upon our congregations to stand strong with those facing such afflictions by this year foregoing any unnecessarily festive activities. We likewise encourage our priests and the faithful to focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas in their pastoral activities and liturgical celebrations during this period, with all the focus directed at holding in our thoughts our brothers and sisters affected by this war and its consequences, and with fervent prayers for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.
Moreover, during this season of giving, we also invite the faithful to advocate, pray, and contribute generously as they are able for the relief of the victims of this war and for those in dire need, as well as to encourage others to join them in this mission of mercy.
In these
ways, we believe, we will be standing in support of those continuing to
suffer—just as Christ did with us in his Incarnation, in order that all of
God’s children might receive the hope of a New Jerusalem in the presence of the
Almighty, where “death shall be no more, neither mourning, nor crying, nor
pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
10/11/2023 (Source)
Latin Patriarch – Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
The cycle of violence that has killed numerous Palestinians and Israelis in the past months has exploded this morning, Saturday, 7 October, 2023.
We witnessed to a sudden explosion of violence that is very concerning due
to its extension and intensity.
The operation launched from Gaza and the reaction of the Israeli Army are
bringing us back to the worst periods of our recent history. The many
causalities and tragedies, which both Palestinians and Israeli families
have to deal with, will create more hatred and division, and will destroy
any perspective of stability.
We call on the international community, the religious leaders in the region
and in the world, to make every effort in helping to de-escalate the
situation, restore calm and work to guarantee the fundamental rights of
people in the region.
Unilateral declarations surrounding the status of religious sites and
places of worship rattle religious sentiment and fuel even more hatred and
extremism. It is therefore important to preserve the Status Quo in all the
Holy Places in the Holy Land and in Jerusalem in particular.
The continuing bloodshed and declarations of war remind us once again of
the urgent need to find a lasting and comprehensive solution to the
Palestinian – Israeli conflict in this land, which is called to be a land
of justice, peace and reconciliation among peoples.
We ask God to inspire world leaders in their intervention for the
implementation of peace and concord so that Jerusalem may be a house of
prayer for all peoples.
7/10/2023
Source
Dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord indeed give us His peace!
The pain and dismay at what is happening is great. Once again we find
ourselves in the midst of a political and military crisis. We have
suddenly been catapulted into a sea of unprecedented violence. The hatred,
which we have unfortunately already been experiencing for too long, will
increase even more, and the ensuing spiral of violence will create more
destruction. Everything seems to speak of death.
Yet, in this time of sorrow and dismay, we do not want to remain helpless.
We cannot let death and its sting (1 Cor 15:55) be the only word we
hear.
That is why we feel the need to pray, to turn our hearts to God the Father.
Only in this way we can draw the strength and serenity needed to endure
these hard times, by turning to Him, in prayer and intercession, to implore
and cry out to God amidst this anguish.
On behalf of all the Ordinaries of the Holy Land, I invite all parishes and
religious communities to a day of
fasting and prayer for peace and reconciliation.
We ask that on Tuesday, October 17, everyone hold a day of fasting,
abstinence, and prayer. Let us organize prayer times with Eucharistic
adoration and with the recitation of the Rosary to Our Blessed Virgin Mary.
Although most probably in many parts of our dioceses circumstances will not
permit large gatherings, it is possible to organize simple and sober common
moments of prayer in parishes, religious communities, and families.
This is the way we all come together despite everything, and unite
collectively in prayer, to deliver to God the Father
our thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation.
11/10/2023 Source
Dear brothers and sisters of the youth of Palestine, Galilee and Jordan, I
come to you today with a very heavy heart, like all of us, because
you are living very difficult and terrible days of hatred, violence and
war. So at this moment we need to be united in prayer, first of all. When we
are living difficult moments, the first thing we need is to have someone
close to us, and if Jesus is a real presence in our life we want to have him
really present and close to us. Prayer makes him close to us, and us close
to him. This is what we need right now.
Prayer is not going to change this terrible situation, but it gives light
to our heart and our eyes, to see this situation not with hatred, but as
human beings and Christians, to look at this with a heart where there is
still, despite everything, space for hope.
So my prayer is that you can unite with all of us on this day of prayer, in
order to always be united as Christians and in order to work together for
the good of our community and of our beloved Holy Land.
16/10/2023
Source
Letter to the entire diocese
We are going through one of the most difficult and painful periods in our recent times and history. For over two weeks now, we have been inundated with images of horrors, which have reawakened ancient traumas, opened new wounds, and made pain, frustration and anger explode within all of us. Much seems to speak of death and endless hatred. So many ‘whys’ overlap in our minds, adding to our sense of bewilderment.
The whole world views this Holy Land of ours as a place that is a
constant cause of wars and divisions.
That is precisely why it was good that a few days ago, the whole world
joined us with a day of prayer and fasting for peace. It was a beautiful
view of the Holy Land and an important moment of unity with our Church. And
that view is still there. Next October 27th, the Pope has called for a
second day of prayer and fasting, so that our intercession may continue. It
will be a day that we will celebrate with conviction. It is perhaps the main
thing we Christians can do at this time: pray, do penance, intercede. For
this, we thank the Holy Father from the bottom of our hearts.
In all this uproar where the deafening noise of the bombs is mixed with the
many voices of sorrow and the many conflicting feelings, I feel the need to
share with you a word that has its origin in the Gospel of Jesus. That is
the starting point which we set out from, and return to, time and time
again: a word from the Gospel to help us live this tragic moment by uniting
our feelings with those of Jesus.
Looking to Jesus, of course, does not mean feeling exempt from the duty
to speak, to denounce, to call out, as well as to console and
encourage.
As we heard in last Sunday’s Gospel, it is necessary to render “to Caesar
what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matt. 22:21).
Looking to God, we therefore want, first of all, to render to Caesar what is
his.
My conscience and moral duty require me to state clearly that what
happened on October 7th in southern Israel is in no way permissible and we
cannot but condemn it. There is no reason for such an atrocity. Yes, we
have a duty to state this and to denounce it. The use of violence is not
compatible with the Gospel, and it does not lead to peace. The life of
every human person has equal dignity before God, who created us all in His
image.
The same conscience, however, with a great burden on my heart, leads me
to state with equal clarity today that this new cycle of violence has
brought to Gaza over five thousand deaths, including many women and
children, tens of thousands of wounded, neighborhoods razed to the ground,
lack of medicine, lack of water and of basic necessities for over two
million people. These are tragedies that cannot be understood and which we
have a duty to denounce and condemn unreservedly. The continuous heavy
bombardment that has been pounding Gaza for days will only cause more
death and destruction and will only increase hatred and resentment. It
will not solve any problem, but rather create new ones. It is time to stop
this war, this senseless violence.
It is only by ending decades of occupation and its tragic consequences,
as well as giving a clear and secure national perspective to the
Palestinian people that a serious peace process can begin. Unless this
problem is solved at its root, there will never be the stability we all
hope for.
The tragedy of these days must lead us all, religious, political, civil
society, international community, to a more serious commitment in this
regard than what has been done so far. This is the only way to avoid other
tragedies like the one we are experiencing now. We owe it to the many
victims of these days and to those of years past. We do not have the right
to leave this task to others.
Yet, I cannot live this extremely painful time without looking upward,
without looking to Christ, without the faith that enlightens my view and
yours on what we are experiencing, without turning our thoughts to God. We
need a Word to accompany us, to comfort and encourage us. We need it like
the air we breathe.
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you
will have tribulations, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn.
16:33).
We find ourselves on the eve of Jesus’ Passion. He addresses these words to
His disciples, who will shortly be tossed about, as if in a storm, before
His death. They will panic, scatter and flee, like sheep without a
shepherd.
Yet, this last word of Jesus is an encouragement. He does not say that He
shall win, but that He has already won. Even in the turmoil to come, the
disciples will be able to have peace. This is not a matter of theoretical
irenic peace, nor of resignation to the fact that the world is evil, and we
can do nothing to change it. Instead it is about having the assurance that
precisely within all this evil, Jesus has already won. Despite the evil
ravaging the world, Jesus has achieved a victory, and established a new
reality, a new order, which after the resurrection will be assumed by the
disciples who were reborn in the Spirit.
It was on the cross that Jesus won: not with weapons, not with political
power, not by great means, nor by imposing himself. The peace He speaks of
has nothing to do with victory over others. He won the world by loving it.
It is true that a new reality and a new order begin on the cross. The order
and the reality of the one who gives his life out of love. With the
Resurrection and the gift of the Spirit, that reality and that order belong
to His disciples. To us. God’s answer to the question of why the righteous
suffer, is not an explanation, but a Presence. It is Christ on the
cross.
It is on this that we stake our faith today. Jesus in that verse rightly
speaks of courage. Such peace, such love, require great courage.
To have the courage of love and peace here, today, means not allowing
hatred, revenge, anger and pain to occupy all the space of our hearts, of
our speech, of our thinking. It means making a personal commitment to
justice, being able to affirm and denounce the painful truth of injustice
and evil that surrounds us, without letting it pollute our relationships.
It means being committed, being convinced that it is still worthwhile to
do all we can for peace, justice, equality and reconciliation. Our speech
must not be about death and closed doors. On the contrary, our words must
be creative, lifegiving, they must give perspective and open horizons.
It takes courage to be able to demand justice without spreading hatred.
It takes courage to ask for mercy, to reject oppression, to promote
equality without demanding uniformity, while remaining free. It takes
courage today, even in our diocese and our communities, to maintain unity,
to feel united to one another, even in the diversity of our opinions,
sensitivities and visions.
I want, and we want, to be part of this new order inaugurated by Christ. We
want to ask God for that courage. We want to be victorious over the world,
taking upon ourselves that same Cross, which is also ours, made of pain and
love, of truth and fear, of injustice and gift, of cries and
forgiveness.
I pray for us all, and in particular for the small community of Gaza, which
is suffering most of all.
In particular, our thoughts go out to the 18 brothers and sisters who
perished recently, and to their families whom we know personally. Their
pain is great, and yet with every passing day, I realize that they are at
peace. They are scared, shaken, upset, but with peace in their hearts. We
are all with them, in prayer and concrete solidarity, thanking them for
their beautiful witness.
Finally, let us pray for all innocent victims. The suffering of the
innocent before God has a precious and redemptive value because it is
united with the redemptive suffering of Christ. May their suffering bring
peace ever closer!
We are approaching the solemnity of the Queen of Palestine, the patroness
of our diocese. The shrine was erected during another time of war, and was
chosen as a special place to pray for peace. In these days we will once
again reconsecrate our Church and our land to the Queen of Palestine! I ask
all churches around the world to join the Holy Father and to join us in
prayer, and in the search for justice and peace.
We will not be able to gather all together this year, because the situation
does not allow it. But I am sure that the whole diocese will be united on
that day in prayer and in solidarity for peace, not worldly peace, but the
peace which Christ gives us.
24/10/2023
Source
Message to the population of Gaza
Beloved sons and daughters in Gaza, I am addressing you today in these hard times, through this video wishing that I can soon join you like every year, to meet, pray, and exchange testimonies with you.
What we are living now is very touching, it touches my heart, me personally
and all of our community.
But also I am very encouraged by your testimony, and the way you are living
this terrible situation you are in. You remind me of what is written in the
Gospel of Jesus, do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot
kill the soul. I am with you, your suffering and pain are my concern, and I
dedicate all my time, in prayer first of all, but also in dialogue with all
those responsible, in order to put an end to this situation as soon as
possible and to support you as much as we can. You are not alone. All the
Christian community in the Holy Land - not only the Holy Land, in the whole
world - is with you, praying for you and supporting you. And now we have
also 18 brothers and sisters who are in heaven praying for you and
interceding for you, and they are our strength.
Do not lose courage and hope, remember that the Lord is with you and we are
with you. Remain strong. And one day, I am sure we will join together once
again in Gaza, in prayer, in joy and in peace.
25/10/2023
Source
General
appeal
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
May the
Lord give you peace!
Charity
and prayer animate the entire extended family of the Latin Patriarchate of
Jerusalem, especially during times of extreme hardship. Many lives were saved
and much suffering was alleviated thanks to your support in these recent
appeals: Covid-19, Gaza 2021; the Beirut port blast; and the Syria and Turkey
earthquake
In all
of these situations we heard and answered the cry of the poor. Once again,
their cry is heard in the Holy Land because of the war that has been raging now
for over three weeks.
The
current crisis has caused not only death, destruction and hunger in Gaza, but
also high unemployment, especially in the Bethlehem area, and other social
issues all over the Holy Land. We are facing a crisis that affects countless
families from different religions and all our institutions including schools,
hospitals and parishes. In Gaza, our material resources have been extended
beyond our walls to include our suffering neighbors and to those who took
refuge in other locations. The spirit of coordination was evident as local
players also extended a helping hand. We share practically everything from food
and water to medicines and supplies. We have learned in this difficult time
that to rebuild the physical world we must build and protect trust between
people.
Hundreds
of people from all over the world have contacted us and have helped us to offer
concrete support. We know what we need to do, as we have done with all our
heart in previous crises, and we will undoubtedly do it again. Please help us
to make a concrete difference and to build the necessary environment so that,
in this society scarred by hatred, we may again sow the seeds of trust, of hope
and of love.
Be
assured of my prayer and gratitude for each of you!
In
Christ,
+
Pierbattista Card. Pizzaballa
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch – Theophilos III
The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses its strongest condemnation of the Israeli airstrike that have struck its church compound in the city of Gaza.
The Patriarchate emphasizes that
targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they
provide to protect innocent citizens, especially children and women who
have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas over
the past thirteen days, constitutes a war crime that cannot be
ignored.
Despite the evident targeting of the facilities and shelters of the
Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and other churches – including the
Episcopal Church of Jerusalem Hospital, other schools, and social
institutions –
the Patriarchate, along with the other churches, remain committed to
fulfilling its religious and moral duty in providing assistance, support,
and refuge to those in need, amidst continuous Israeli demands to evacuate
these institutions of civilians and the pressures exerted on the churches
in this regard.
The Patriarchate stresses that it will not abandon its religious and
humanitarian duty, rooted in its Christian values, to provide all that is
necessary in times of war and peace alike.
19/10/2023
Source
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem:
Israeli Shelling of Orthodox Cultural Center Embodies Unjustifiable Targeting
of Civilian Infrastructure in Gaza
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a statement this morning, condemning the Israeli military’s bombardment of the Orthodox Cultural Center in the Tel Al Hawa neighborhood of Gaza earlier today. In this statement, the Patriarchate emphasizes that this attack represents a stark embodiment of Israel’s unwarranted determination to destroy the civil infrastructure and social service centers, as well as shelters for civilians trapped in the besieged enclave. The Patriarchate highlights that social, cultural, and sports centers have become vital providers of essential humanitarian services and safe havens for those affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas.
The Patriarchate further expressed that this assault
on the Orthodox Cultural Center and its service facilities constitutes a direct
and unjustified attack on one of the pillars of culture and social services in
Gaza.
The Patriarchate also notes with grave concern that
the Israeli military has targeted 19 places of worship, including mosques and
churches, in Gaza during the past three weeks of the devastating conflict. Such
attacks on civilians, particularly children, and the deliberate destruction of
civilian infrastructure, cannot be justified on rational or humanitarian
grounds and are fundamentally at odds with even the most basic moral values.
The Patriarchate reiterates its firm demand for an
immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and pledges to continue
its international efforts to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
“In times of crisis and adversity, we turn to the words
of Psalms 34:18, which remind us that ‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ We pray for peace, justice, and a
swift end to the suffering in Gaza,” said the Patriarchate’s statement.
30/10/2023 Source
Uk
minister visits Patriarch Theophilos III amidst war on Gaza
Lord Tariq Ahmad, Baron Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the United Nations at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, met this morning with His Beatitude Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the headquarters of the Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem. The meeting was also attended by His Grace Husam Naoum, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Secretary General of the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.
The
meeting took place against the grim backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the
region. Lord Ahmad acknowledged the challenging circumstances, expressing both
happiness at the visit and sadness about the ongoing war. He conveyed his deep
concern about the atrocities and discussed ways to contribute to the cause of
stability and calm. Lord Ahmad recognized the pivotal role that the Church,
in collaboration with other religious institutions, plays in the Holy Land. He
expressed a readiness to listen to the Patriarch’s insights and offered
sympathy for the victims of the church bombings in Gaza.
Patriarch
Theophilus III, in response, recounted the unfortunate destruction of houses of
worship, hospitals, community services centers, schools and residential
neighborhoods in Gaza. He highlighted the collective effort of various churches
to preserve the multi-cultural and multi-religious character of the Holy
Places. Their goal is to ensure these sites remain places of worship, prayer,
and reconciliation.
The
Patriarch spoke of the struggles confronting Christians in the Holy Land,
facing oppression from radical Israeli groups who seek to expel them from the
Holy Land. His Beatitude also stressed the importance of maintaining holy
places not only as structures but as living communities, open to members of
various religions, contributing to coexistence and peace. The Orthodox Christians actively
work to maintain harmony in the holy land, referring to the agreement made in
the 7th century between Patriarch Sophronios and Caliph Omar bin Khattab as a
historical precedent for coexistence.
The
Patriarch underscored the historical role of churches as a safe zone during
times of conflict, expressing deep concern for all war victims, including
civilians, especially women and children suffering in Gaza.
Lord
Ahmad called for a rational and logical approach, transcending emotions,
recognizing the sanctity of every human life. The leaders present at the
meeting collectively prayed for the avoidance of further escalation aiming to
safeguard the land, including Jordan, where the Hashemite King holds the
custodianship of Muslim and Christian places in Jerusalem.
Archbishop
Husam Naoum of the Anglican also expressed gratitude for the visit, believing
it will contribute to calming tensions and promoting peace. He decried the
recent events in southern Israel and Gaza, emphasizing the role of religious
heritage in finding a political solution. The Archbishop highlighted the
importance of preserving the Status Quo of the Holy Places and raised the issue
of Al Aqsa, as the holy place for Muslims.
01/11/2023 (Source)
Return to topBishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East – Hosam Naoum
Church Unites in Prayer, Firmly Condemns Massacre at Hospital, and Grieves the Loss Of Hundreds of Innocent Civilians
In a solemn observance of a global day of fasting and prayers for peace,
reconciliation, and an end to the harrowing conflict, Christians stood united
in the Holy Land. However,
this day of reflection was marred by a brutal attack on our Al Ahli
Anglican Episcopal Hospital in Gaza during the Israeli airstrikes there. Citing 2 Cor. 4:8-9a, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but
not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed," we reflect on the unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.
In the strongest terms, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemns this
atrocious attack that has transpired in the heart of Gaza. Initial reports
suggest the loss of countless lives, a manifestation of what can only be
described as a crime against humanity.
Hospitals, by the tenets of international humanitarian law, are sanctuaries,
yet this assault has transgressed those sacred boundaries. We heed the call
of Archbishop Justin Welby, who implored for the safeguarding of medical
facilities and the rescission of evacuation orders.
Regrettably, Gaza remains bereft of safe havens.
The devastation witnessed, coupled with the sacrilegious targeting of the
church, strikes at the very core of human decency.
We assert unequivocally that this is deserving international condemnation
and retribution.
An urgent appeal resonates for the international community to fulfill its
duty in
protecting civilians and ensuring that such inhumane horrific acts are not
replicated.
As we grieve the loss of countless souls who perished on our premises, we
declare a day of mourning in all our churches and institutions. We beseech
our friends, partners, and individuals of goodwill to stand in solidarity,
mourning with us the heinous assault on our dedicated staff and vulnerable
patients.
17/10/2023 Source
Joint Gaza Appeal Letter from the Most Rev’ds Hosam Naoum and Justin Welby, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and the Archbishop of Canterbury
Dear Friends,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
From Archbishop Hosam Naoum:
Just over two weeks ago, the world was horrified at the sudden eruption
of war in the Holy Land, resulting in hundreds of deaths, injuries, and
displacements. Since that time, those numbers have multiplied into the
thousands, as open hostilities have drastically escalated. Innocent
civilians, especially women and children, have been caught in the deadly
crossfire. As you have probably seen, a massive rocket blast exploded in
the midst of our own Ahli Hospital in the heart of Gaza City, tragically
killing or seriously wounding hundreds of refugees who had gathered there
because they had no other place of shelter in which to go.
Although Ahli’s buildings were heavily damaged, two nights later our
devoted staff partially reopened the hospital. In doing this, they
demonstrated
the determination we have in the Diocese of Jerusalem to persevere in our
Christian mission to serve others as though we were serving Christ
himself
(Matt 25:31-46).
And this is the case not just for Gaza, but throughout all the Holy
Land.
Yet in order to accomplish this mission in the midst of a devastating war,
we need to draw upon the strength of the larger Body of Christ. For we
understand that when one member of the Body suffers, all parts suffer (1 Cor
12:26).
And so, my sisters and brothers in Christ, I appeal to you to first of all
to pray for our mission here, as well for the peace of Jerusalem (Psa
122:6). Secondly, advocate with your representatives for a just and lasting
peace in the Holy Land, so that all who dwell within these lands can live in
security. Finally, if you are able, support our ministries in Gaza,
Palestine & Israel, and throughout the Diocese of Jerusalem by
contributing financially through one of our international partners.
Thank you for helping us continue the work of our Lord Jesus Christ in the
very lands in which he himself ministered in his earthly life before
offering up his life on our behalf and then rising again victorious from the
grave, overcoming death and giving us hope for a new life. May God bless
you.
From Archbishop Justin Welby:
As war devastates the Holy Land, we ask where Christ is to be found amid
the cries of His children. When the lives of the innocent are at risk, we
strain our eyes for the light of the One who offers healing, peace, and
justice. In Gaza, the Al Ahli hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, is
that light. Despite being hit by rocket fire last week, it is still
providing critical care to the injured and anyone in need of medical
attention. As health services become even more vital in Gaza, the work of
the hospital becomes more difficult for urgent need of medications,
equipment and fuel.
Please, continue to pray for those who mourn, those who are in pain, and
those who are in fear, and for those who are caring for the injured and
bereaved.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that those who have looked after the
sick have cared for Christ himself. I urge everyone, if they are able, to
support the Al Ahli Hospital’s work caring for the wounded body of Jesus
Christ and contribute to the Gaza Appeal.
In Christ,
The Most Reverend Hosam E. Naoum
Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem
The Most Reverend Justin Welby
The Archbishop of Canterbury
24/10/2023 Source
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