On Monday, 7 July 2025, an attack on Taybeh, the last all Christian town in the West Bank, led to a fire at the town’s cemetery and the Church of Saint George, which dates back to the 5th century.
The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem have since visited Taybeh in solidarity with the local community, and have asked “for the prayers, attention, and action of the world, particularly that of Christians globally.”
The statement from the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem said:
“These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community first and foremost, but also to the historic and religious heritage of our ancestors and holy sites. In the face of such threats, the greatest act of bravery is to continue to call this your home. We stand with you, we support your resilience, and you have our prayers.”
“We give thanks for the local residents and firefighters for extinguishing the fire before our holy sites were destroyed, but we join voices with the local priests - Greek Orthodox, Latin, and Melkite Greek Catholic - issuing a clear plea for support in the face of repeated, systematic attacks.”
“The Church has had a faithful presence in this region for nearly 2,000 years. We reaffirm our commitment to a Holy Land that is a mosaic of different faiths, living peacefully together in dignity and safety.”
In the full statement, which can be found here, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem also called for a transparent investigation into the ongoing attacks, and for those responsible to be held accountable.
“Furthermore, we ask diplomats, politicians, and church officials worldwide to provide a prayerful and outspoken voice for our ecumenical community in Taybeh, that their presence may be secured and that they can live in peace to worship freely, grow crops without danger, and live in a peace that seems to be in far too short of supply. “
“We join our fellow clergy in Taybeh in reiterating this of hope in the face of a persistent threat: “truth and justice will ultimately prevail.” And we recall the words of the Prophet Amos, which become our prayer during this challenging time: “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream,” the statement concluded.
Partners supported by Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal are delivering health and mental health services in Taybeh and the surrounding villages, where movement restrictions, economic hardship, and psychosocial stressors have compounded humanitarian needs.
To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Crisis Appeal, click the button below or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
