Latin Patriarch Deplores Israeli Demolition of a Church Property
Jerusalem, 07 Nov 2013: The Latin rite Patriarch of Jerusalem has protested against
Israel’s demolition of a Church-owned property in East Jerusalem, saying it was a
breach of international law and an act of vandalism that eroded chances for peace.
“This
act is against the law, against justice and against humanity, against any ideology
upon which peace can be built and increases segregation and hate,” Patriarch Fouad
Twal told journalists at the site of the demolition Nov. 5.
Israeli security
forces and bulldozers arrived at the house early Monday morning claiming it had been
built without a permit, according to its residents, a Muslim family of 14. The family
is now residing in a tent belonging to the Red Cross.
Patriarch Twal said the
property, located on the south eastern edge of the city close to Bethlehem, was built
before 1967 when Israel seized East Jerusalem from the Arabs in the Six-Day War.
Archbishop
Twal said the patriarchate did not receive prior orders for the demolition. “This
is holy land and always will be, and the interior ministry, the [Jerusalem] municipality
and Israeli organisations knew it belonged to the patriarchate,” he said. He added
that the Church would now appeal to Israeli and international courts; he has already
complained to the interior ministry and the municipality. “It is an act of vandalism
that infringes international law,” the Patriarch said.
This is reported to
be the first time the Israeli government had demolished property belonging to the
Church.
Christians, Muslims and diplomats attended the Nov. 5th rally at the
demolished house, organised by the Latin Patriarchate. Source: Zenit