A fire burns near the town's cemetery and the historic Church of Saint George. Photo: Nabd El-Haya
“Respect for religious freedom, protection of civilian populations,” is essential
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) stands in solidarity with the Christian communities of Taybeh, Palestine, following a series of escalating attacks that threaten one of the Holy Land's most significant Christian heritage sites. On 7 July, Israeli settlers set fires near the town's cemetery and the historic Church of Saint George (Al-Khader), a 5th-century landmark that represents one of the most ancient Christian sites in Palestine.
Priests of Taybeh's three churches, the Greek Orthodox, Latin, and Greek Melkite Catholic churches, issued a statement on 8 July, addressing the threats facing their community.
A town of Biblical significance
Taybeh holds meaning for Christians worldwide. Known in the Bible as "Ephraim" (John 11:54), this is where Jesus took refuge before his suffering and death. Since that time, there has been continuous Christian presence in the town. Now it faces systematic aggression that threatens to erase this living testament to the Christian faith.
The recent attack is one incident in what locals describe as an ongoing campaign of provocation. Residents have reported regular intrusions by settlers who graze livestock on privately owned agricultural lands. These acts have caused significant damage to the olive groves which are the community's economic lifeline, and they have prevented farmers from accessing their land.
More troubling still, the eastern part of Taybeh, comprising over half the town's total area, has become a target for illegal settlement outposts that are expanding under military protection and serve as bases for further assaults on the community.
An urgent call for action
In their appeal, the priests of Taybeh, Rev. Daoud Khoury, Rev. Jack-Nobel Abed, and Rev. Bashar Fawadleh, call on the international community, including diplomatic missions, church leaders, and human rights organizations to:
- Immediate investigation into the recent arson and ongoing attacks
- Diplomatic pressure to halt settler incursions and prevent further destruction
- International missions to document violations and assess damages
- Support for the community's resilience through economic and legal assistance
LWF echoes their demands and reiterates its longstanding call for the protection and preservation of Christian presence in the region.
For more information about LWF's work in the Holy Land and LWF's ongoing response to the crisis in Israel-Palestine.
