Intervention of Mons. Grégoire Pierre MELKI, Titular Bishop of Batnae of the Syrians, Patriarchal Exarch of the Patriarchate of Antioch of the Syrians (JERUSALEM)

By request from the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, I will speak about Migration and the Holy Land. The phenomenon of migration has always existed. In the case of the Holy Land, we will limit ourselves to the situation prevailing today and which has, since the 19th century.
The reasons for it are always the same, political and economical. Since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has not been resolved, we should not be surprised to see other Christians taking the path of exodus.
Being the first reason for emigration, the conflict in question should lead the parties opposing each other on the land as well as the International Instances to work harder for an equitable and lasting solution to this conflict.
On the other hand, we must point out other factors that have contributed to the decrease in numbers of Christians in the Holy Land: the decrease in the birthrate among couples, marriage at older ages, reunification of families, the pursuit of superior studies abroad, etc... And the existing political and religious divisions are themselves valid reasons.
Beneficial in some regards to the countries that welcome our emigrants, emigration deals a hard blow not only to the Christian presence and witness in the Holy Land, but also to the socio-political life in general, since it deprives the homeland of potentials that could have accelerated their progress and development.
This situation calls on us. We must do something. Some proposals:
- Make a plea to the International Instances so that they apply pressure on the relative parties in view of a rapid solution to the conflict.

- Make a plea to the Churches present that they may work seriously in the path of closeness and unity.
- Implement more concrete and common projects such as residences, the creation of jobs, hospitals, etc...
- Pastorally take charge of the African and Asian Christians who came to our countries...

[00132-02.03] [IN094] [Original text: French]