Taybeh’s village in Palestine resists the attacks of Israeli settlers

After resuscitating Lázaro, the Lord Jesus “was no longer in public among the Jews, but withdrew from there to the region near the desert, a city called Efraim” (Jn. 11, 54).

Ephraim is today known as Taybeh. In addition to being the only completely Christian village in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza, it is also recognized by its beer.

For several days, this small settlement has been attacked by Israeli settlers, with the objective of “undermining the dignity of its residents and the holiness of its sacred land,” according to a statement from the parish priests of the three local Christian churches.

This Tuesday, the priests of the Latin churches, Greco-Oortodox and Melquita denounced that Israeli settlers have caused fires in Taybeh, damaging historical buildings, essential crops and generating fear among the inhabitants.

Father Bashar Fawadleh, Latin pastor in Taybeh since 2021, told ACI Press the current situation. Although he does not speak Spanish, he joins a special link with Latin America: his mother was born in Valencia, Venezuela, but returned to the West Bank at age 16.

Fires, violence and harassment

The father tells that the settlers burned the church of San Jorge, a historic Byzantine style temple dating from the 5th century and where he usually makes his religious celebrations. Some young people went to the site and managed to prevent the flames from totally destroying the temple and contiguous cemetery.

Between 250 and 300 people remain in Taybeh, since most of its inhabitants have emigrated in search of a safer and prosperous future, far from violence and harassment. Those who have decided to stay, depend mainly on the cultivation of olive trees, with which they produce extra virgin oil for export.

Since the attacks began, the workers are terrified to go to work the earth because they have been attacked many times. Father Bashar knows the situation very well because he was born in the small town of Aboud, near Ramala. He assures that, even before his designation as a pastor in 2021, he had never seen attacks of this magnitude.

“Its main objective is to occupy more lands. Tell us: This land is for us, not for you. They do it to steal everything from the earth. They also want to encourage us to abandon this country, to abandon the land of Taybeh. They do it to instill fear in people, ”he said.

“We are a peaceful people, we do not cause problems, we have no weapons, we have no one to cause problems, difficulties or restrictions,” added the pastor.

Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Taybeh has seriously worsened. Unemployment affects a large part of its inhabitants, who being Palestinians are prohibited from entering Jerusalem, where many worked.

The Latin patriarchy of Jerusalem tries to mitigate suffering by delivering essential items and helping with cash so that Taybeh’s people can pay basic services and their school and university registrations. However, says Fr. Bashar, this is not enough.

“What we need now is to put an end to this war, to this conflict, pray for peace, seek peace and pray for justice, so that the fruit of justice is peace,” he said.

Beyond suffering: hope, joy and happiness

Despite attacks and suffering in Taybeh, the community still maintains its hope, joy and happiness, “because we are Christians, and our hope and faith are in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, in the empty tomb,” said Fr. Bashar.

The priest asks all people, regardless of their religion, unite in prayer to save the people. “They continue to pray for justice and for peace,” he said.

In addition, he called to press the governments involved in conflicts in the Holy Land, “to stop these attacks and open all control positions and military barriers in the West Bank.”

Similarly, he asks all the people of good will to “go to see” the reality of Taybeh, echoing the first words that Jesus directed to the apostles Andrés and John. “They can come to see him and stay in our homes,” said Fr. Bashar, also remarking the importance of tourism for the people.

“We are living stones. They have to visit us to encourage us to stay, to encourage us to be present in our land, because this is the land of the homeland of Jesus,” said the priest.

In this lies the particularity of Taybeh, who formed his identity from the visit of Jesus 2000 years ago. “When visiting us, he instilled in the heart that we are his disciples, that is, we are Christians. So we have to save our culture, our traditions, our Church and the first flame of Christianity that emerged in Jerusalem,” he said.

Then, all the pilgrims who go to see what happens in Taybeh, Fr. Bashar continued, “they can return and tell the truth” of what the people need.

On Monday, July 14, a visit to Taybeh of the heads of the Christian churches of the Holy Land to express their solidarity and closeness is scheduled.

According to the local pastor, this is a great joy and a reliable sample that the Lord does not abandon the small village. “Jesus would ask us to stay and be present in our land,” he said. Upon arrival, he reported, they will pray for Peace in the former Church of San Jorge.

“From Taybeh we seek peace and ask for everyone, not only for Palestine, but for all the nations and countries of the world. When we have unity and love each other, we can listen to the voice of God,” he concluded.

Here you can read the letter from Taybeh’s parish priests: