"Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs" organizes a solidarity vigil with Jordan in Bethlehem
Agencies4 min read
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The Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs in Palestine organized, on Sunday, a solidarity vigil in the square of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, in solidarity with the martyrs of the terrorist attack that targeted the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Karak Governorate, and to affirm the Palestinian people's support for their brothers in Jordan in this painful tragedy.
According to a statement by the committee on Sunday, Dr. Ramzi Khoury, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the Higher Presidential Committee of Churches Affairs in Palestine, affirmed in a speech delivered on his behalf by committee member Dr. Samir Hazboun, that the tragedy that befell the brothers in Jordan is the tragedy of the entire Palestinian people, and that the sadness that loomed over our people in Karak reached the hearts of the Palestinians.
He stressed that what affects Jordan affects Palestine, and that the bonds of brotherhood, history, and common destiny make this pain a single wound, expressing his strong condemnation of the terrorist act and his rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism, and all attempts aimed at sowing discord among members of the same society or undermining its unity and cohesion.
Khoury emphasized that targeting innocent people and houses of worship, regardless of their religion or beliefs, constitutes an assault on human and religious values, and on the human right to life, security, and the practice of rituals with freedom and dignity, pointing out that religion cannot be a justification for violence, killing, or hatred.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded, and praying that God may protect Jordan, its people, and its leadership, and grant it lasting security and stability, affirming the depth of Palestinian-Jordanian brotherhood and the unity of position in confronting terrorism and discord.
For his part, Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Aliya affirmed his strong condemnation of this criminal act, stressing that this attack constitutes a crime against humanity and human values, and requires a firm stance in confronting terrorism and extremism.
Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania affirmed that the city of Bethlehem, with its religious, national, and humanitarian symbolism, stands with the brothers in Jordan in this painful tragedy, noting that targeting houses of worship will not undermine the values of love, peace, and brotherhood embodied by the city.
Dr. Tahani Al-Lawzi, representing Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith, conveyed a message of solidarity from Jerusalem, the city of the Resurrection, to the brothers in Jordan, offered condolences to the families of the martyrs, and condemned the terrorist attack.
His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Majeed Amarna, Mufti of Bethlehem Governorate, also affirmed his condemnation and that of the people of Bethlehem for the crime against innocent people in the sisterly Jordanian town of Hamoud.
He pointed out that Bethlehem will remain a model of national unity and cohesion among all its people, and that the unity of the Palestinian ranks constitutes a safety valve in the face of attempts to sow division and discord, stressing the need to preserve and strengthen this national heritage.
For his part, Father Issa Thaljieh, priest of the Greek Orthodox parish in Bethlehem, delivered the churches' speech on behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Benedictos, the Patriarchal Vicar in Bethlehem, in which he expressed solidarity with Jordan, its people, and its church, affirming that targeting churches and houses of worship is an assault on human dignity, freedom of worship, and human values, and that terrorism has no religion.
He stressed the authenticity of the Christian presence in Jordan and Palestine, and the strength of the bonds of brotherhood and unity between Muslims and Christians.
For his part, the representative of the Factional Coordination Committee in Bethlehem Governorate, Hussein Rahal, affirmed the unity of the Palestinian people, Muslims and Christians, as a single national fabric united by bonds of brotherhood, belonging, and a common destiny.
