Catholic Patriarch denounces Israeli demolition of church-owned building in Jerusalem

November 06, 2013

The Latin-rite Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem has strongly condemned the Israeli government’s demolition of a family home owned by the patriarchate.

“This act is against the law, against justice, and against humanity—against any ideology upon which peace can be built—and increases segregation and hate,” said Archbishop Fouad Twal. His angry statement came after Israeli security forces bulldozed a home in east Jerusalem that was occupied by a family of 14.

Israeli officials said that the building was ordered for demolition because it was constructed without a permit. The Patriarchate of Jerusalem countered that the building had been in place since before Israel took control of Jerusalem in 1967. Church officials said that they had not been informed about the demolition plans until the bulldozers arrived, and said they would lodge formal complaints.

 

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Further information:

• Catholic Church Slams Israel Razing of its Property (AFP)