Heads of Jerusalem Churches issue statement on arson attack in Taybeh
Patriarch Theophilos and other Jerusalem church leaders declared: “Attacks on Taybeh are a threat to all Christian presence in the Holy Land.”
On July 7, 2025, radical elements from nearby settlements set fire to the ancient Church of St. George the Great Martyr and the Christian cemetery in the town of Taybeh – the only entirely Christian town on the West Bank of Israel. In response, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem issued an official statement expressing support for the local community and calling on the international community to act, according to jerusalem-patriarchate.info.
“We, the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, are here in Taybeh today in solidarity with the local community following an intensifying trend of systemic and targeted attacks against them and their presence,” the statement reads. The hierarchs called on all Christians worldwide to pray and to offer concrete support.
The document notes that on Monday, July 7, 2025, radical, fanatical elements from nearby settlements deliberately set fire to the town cemetery and to the Church of St. George, which was built in the 5th century.
According to the Christian leaders, this crime is not only an attack on a specific site but on the very presence of the Church in the Holy Land, its history, and its spiritual heritage.
“In the face of such threats, the greatest act of bravery is to continue calling this place home. We stand with you, we support your resilience and resistance, and we pray for you,” they emphasized.
In recent months, the church leaders said, radicals have systematically invaded Christian farmland on the eastern outskirts of the town, damaging olive groves and blocking access. There have also been arson attacks on homes and threatening graffiti reading “There is no future for you here.”
“The Church has been present in this region for nearly 2,000 years. We categorically reject this message of blockade and reaffirm our commitment to the Holy Land as a place where diverse religions can coexist in dignity and security,” the hierarchs declared.
The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem demanded:
– That those responsible for the arson and threats, as well as Israeli authorities enabling their presence around Taybeh, be held accountable;
– That an open and transparent investigation into the inaction of the Israeli police be conducted;
– That all forms of harassment of Christians in the region cease.
Special thanks were expressed to local residents and firefighters who quickly extinguished the blaze and prevented the complete destruction of the sanctuary.
“The attacks by the hands of settlers against our community, which is living in peace, must stop, both here in Taybeh and elsewhere throughout the West Bank. This is clearly part of the systematic attacks against Christians that we see unfolding throughout the region,” the statement said.
The signatories also appealed to diplomats, politicians, and church leaders around the world to help ensure the continued presence of the Christian community in Taybeh so that residents can freely worship God, safely cultivate their land, and live in peace.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Patriarch of Jerusalem called for an end to violence in Gaza and Ukraine.
