Care

Submitted March 12, 2005

Why Should Christians Care About Palestine

As the thirteen Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are anxiously awaiting the new ecumenical center that will help them have a stronger and united voice from Jerusalem, there has always been a voice in the wilderness especially from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate where Archimandrite Attalla Hanna, the most controversial figure in the Holy Land today, makes every effort to relate his message of peace; but at the same time along with Christ's peace, he promotes a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has caused so much bloodshed on both sides. In order to silence the good father, the Israelis have smeared his name by saying that he supports suicide bombers which is not possible for any true Christian or servant of Christ on earth. Archimandrite Attalla is a man of peace and promotes non-violent resolutions.

At a recent World Vision advisory board meeting in Jerusalem where Archimandrite Attalla serves to give his consultation and advice along with other Christians in the Holy Land so that better work can be done by this humanitarian organization, Archimandrite Attalla was reflecting on what Christians across the world should be thinking this Holy Lenten Season. The following thoughts are translated from Greek in effort to inspire more people to care about our situation in the Holy Land. "Peace be unto you; as my Father hath sent me, even so I send you" (John 20:21).

For Christians, the Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence is not only a political issue, but this struggle for freedom is a humanitarian and ethical situation. For Christians across the world, it should be a Christian issue, because Jesus our Lord and Savior teaches us to feel and be empathetic with those who suffer. Our heart should be with those who suffer. To understand, feel and comprehend the suffering and the struggle of others is truly the Christian way. Jesus our Lord teaches us to support the ones who suffer, especially in the Gospels which compel us to feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned and the sick.

Abouna Attalla says that it is impossible to be true Christians and not feel or try to understand the pain of others whether the ones that are suffering happen to be Christian or not. We are called upon by Christ to care for the poor and oppressed. For Christians, the Palestinian struggle for independence is also a human rights concern, because freedom is a gift from God to all humanity. Therefore, whoever takes away freedom from others or deprives others from having their basic human rights is going against the will of God.

Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land ask from the Christian world at large to understand the pain of Palestinians and their desire to achieve an independent state. Archimandrite Attalla firmly believes it is our Christian duty to support people who have suffered since l948 until today without a just solution to their suffering. We must pray for all people, Palestinians and Israelis who have experienced so much violence and pain on both sides. "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great and you shall be the children of the Highest" (Luke 6:35).

Palestinians as a people and a distinct ethnic group desire peace, but a practical peaceful solution must include justice. Any just peace in the Middle East means for the Israeli occupation to end, the military checkpoints to disappear and the new Apartheid Wall to be removed.

As we embark on this Great and Holy Lenten season, we ask everyone to remember the people of the Holy Land in their prayers. "Please pray for our people and for peace in the Middle East." As we enter the Great Fast,we cannot stay silent as we watch people suffer and not open our mouth. We must speak out for peace and justice. The worst thing in life is for good people to be silenced and say nothing of atrocities around them.

In this Great Fast, we are inspired to walk with Christ into Jerusalem, experience His passion, and feel his suffering; die on the cross and on the third day be resurrected with a new life in our Lord and Savior. The gift of eternal life is God's love for humanity. In the land of Christ's Holy Resurrection, it is sad that the Christian community is dwindling in low numbers. Our hope is in our Lord and Savior, first and foremost, and our hope is also on the many around the world that can place pressure on their governments to bring a just peace to the Israeli Palestinian conflict and help us end the Israeli military occupation. Our work as Christians is to continue the witness in this special and sacred land.

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).



Volume 7 Number 11 - Tuesday, March 15th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY