(April 18, 2011) Christian groups held a candlelight vigil in the Indian capital
New Delhi on Sunday in a show of solidarity with Palestinians denied access to sacred
sites in the Holy Land. Palm Sunday, which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into
Jerusalem, was a fitting time to remember the plight of Palestinian Christians, said
organizers of the event at the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. “We express
our solidarity and extend support to the Palestinians in their resistance to all forms
of oppression, occupation and violence,” said Father Charles Irudayam, secretary of
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) commission for Peace and Justice.
Adli Sadeq, Palestinian ambassador to India, told the gathering, “If we give-up our
Holy Land we have no right to call ourselves Christians.” Comprehensive peace is
needed in the Holy Land, Sadeq said, calling for solidarity and support to bring peace.
Father Dominic Emmanuel, spokesperson of Delhi archdiocese said Jerusalem continues
to be emptied of its Palestinian citizens, Christians and Muslims. It is sad that
during this Holy Week Christians in Jerusalem cannot visit places of worship. Their
identity cards are confiscated, which means the loss of their right to reside in Jerusalem.
The vigil was organized by the CBCI commission for Justice and Peace along with the
Indian Solidarity Ecumenical Network - Kairos Palestine (ISEN-KP), comprising of the
National Council of Churches in India, Young Women Christian Association and the Palestine-Israel
Ecumenical Forum.