US bishops lament plight of Palestinian Christians
September 24, 2014
Following an eight-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, 18 bishops from the United States renewed their call for peace and for a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
“The local Christian community in Gaza described the nightly terror they suffered during the war,” they recounted. “Israelis in Sderot and elsewhere described their dread of Hamas rocket fire.”
The bishops added:
The Christian community is emigrating at alarming rates. As we learned from Patriarch Fouad Twal, the unresolved conflict and occupation undermine human dignity and the ability of Christians to raise their families. Israeli policies in East Jerusalem prohibit Christians who marry someone from outside the City to remain there with their spouse, and security policies restrict movement and confiscate lands, undermining the ability of many Christian families to survive economically. The harsh realities of occupation force them to leave. Muslims also suffer similarly, but have fewer opportunities to emigrate.
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Posted by: Chestertonian -
Sep. 25, 2014 4:05 AM ET USA
While a 2-state solution sounds just, the reality is that the so-called Palestinians will never agree to it unless they control the holy sites of Jerusalem. But, when they've been given control in past, sites sacred to Jews or Christians have been desecrated; just as the Gazans have broken every ceasefire. Perhaps a neutral 3rd party will be needed to safeguard them. Otherwise, there is little hope for peace, or justice for the Christians who remain.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Sep. 24, 2014 7:46 PM ET USA
A two state solution ain't going to happen. Israel doesn't want a two state solution. We need to transport these Palestinians to America, and give them a chance for a decent life.
