25 july 2012
Controversy in Gaza over five Christians' conversion to Islam
Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza: "Islamic movement" kidnapped 5 Christians and forced them to convert to Islam
One of the converts responds that he converted freely and will return home soon to his family
by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik
There is controversy in Gaza following the conversion of five Christians to Islam. The Greek Orthodox Church accused an Islamic group of coercion:
"The Islamic movement uses a dirty and dark, fear-inspiring approach; it employs heavy pressure, it extorts and uses undignified means, such as chemical drugs for the purposes of control and sowing fear in the hearts of those kidnapped."
A day after these accusations were publicized, a Gaza-based human rights group denied there was coercion and one of the five thought to be kidnapped released a statement:
"I have declared my conversion to Islam out of free will... I will come home soon."
The following are the reports on the Orthodox Church's accusations followed by the denial:
Orthodox Church's accusations:
"The [Greek] Orthodox Church in Gaza yesterday accused an Islamic group of kidnapping five Christians in order to force them to convert to Islam.
In a press release published during a sit-down strike, held at the site of the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, the church's information bureau said: 'A dangerous Islamic movement is trying to persuade Christian youth and women to convert to Islam, thereby destroying Christian families and the Christian presence in the Gaza Strip.' It did not mention the name of the movement.
The press release added: 'The Islamic movement uses a dirty and dark, fear-inspiring approach; it employs heavy pressure, it extorts and uses undignified means, such as chemical drugs for the purposes of control and sowing fear in the hearts of those kidnapped.'
The press release stated: 'Ramez Al-Amash (24) was kidnapped on Saturday, in addition to a woman and three girls who were kidnapped from their homes on Wednesday.'
Spokesman for the Hamas police, Ayman Al-Batniji, said: 'We in the police emphasize most firmly that there has been no case of kidnapping, and reject these accusations.'
He emphasized: 'The youngster converted to Islam of his own free will, and the police tried to defend him when he approached the police for help, since he had a problem with his relatives while he visited his mother in a hospital.' He added, 'We call upon our Christian brethren, for whom we have the utmost respect and who enjoy unparalleled treatment in Gaza - not to spoil these relations.'
The church's press release continued: 'We requested of the honorable Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, to stop this Islamic movement immediately, and we told him that they must immediately return the woman, her young daughters, and the young man to their families.'
The press release also criticized the manner in which the policemen in Gaza behaved when the father of the kidnapped young man went to bring his son back. Their response was that they were unable to help him in any way, since they are unable to intervene in the work of a Muslim religious scholar named Salam Salameh (Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament). The press release continued: 'This conduct on the part of the Palestinian police shows that there is no security for anyone, nor protection for anyone, and that the present law is not capable of defending us. Therefore we hand over this problem to the government and to all those responsible for security in this country.'
There are 3,500 Christians living in Gaza, out of a population of a million and a half." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 17, 2012]
Denial:
"A senior official in the area of human rights (from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights based in Gaza) announced yesterday that his organization has met with five Christians that the Orthodox Church in the Gaza Strip has accused of being kidnapped by an Islamic organization. He stressed that 'they are not kidnapped' and that they converted to Islam 'out of free will'...
Father of the youth Ramad Al-Amash told France Press: 'They want to force my son to convert to Islam. I want my son either as a Christian or as a Muslim because in any case, he's my son.' He added: 'All our lives, we were Christians and we will remain Christians. We won't leave here because this is our country. I demand of the Hamas government to bring me my son.'...
The young boy Ramad said on Tuesday in a statement to the press: 'I have declared my conversion to Islam out of free will and without any coercion. I converted five months ago, but I announced my conversion to Islam this past Saturday.' He turned to his family to calm them: 'I am not kidnapped. Don't worry about me. I will come home soon and I will be with you.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 18, 2012]
One of the converts responds that he converted freely and will return home soon to his family
by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik
There is controversy in Gaza following the conversion of five Christians to Islam. The Greek Orthodox Church accused an Islamic group of coercion:
"The Islamic movement uses a dirty and dark, fear-inspiring approach; it employs heavy pressure, it extorts and uses undignified means, such as chemical drugs for the purposes of control and sowing fear in the hearts of those kidnapped."
A day after these accusations were publicized, a Gaza-based human rights group denied there was coercion and one of the five thought to be kidnapped released a statement:
"I have declared my conversion to Islam out of free will... I will come home soon."
The following are the reports on the Orthodox Church's accusations followed by the denial:
Orthodox Church's accusations:
"The [Greek] Orthodox Church in Gaza yesterday accused an Islamic group of kidnapping five Christians in order to force them to convert to Islam.
In a press release published during a sit-down strike, held at the site of the Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza, the church's information bureau said: 'A dangerous Islamic movement is trying to persuade Christian youth and women to convert to Islam, thereby destroying Christian families and the Christian presence in the Gaza Strip.' It did not mention the name of the movement.
The press release added: 'The Islamic movement uses a dirty and dark, fear-inspiring approach; it employs heavy pressure, it extorts and uses undignified means, such as chemical drugs for the purposes of control and sowing fear in the hearts of those kidnapped.'
The press release stated: 'Ramez Al-Amash (24) was kidnapped on Saturday, in addition to a woman and three girls who were kidnapped from their homes on Wednesday.'
Spokesman for the Hamas police, Ayman Al-Batniji, said: 'We in the police emphasize most firmly that there has been no case of kidnapping, and reject these accusations.'
He emphasized: 'The youngster converted to Islam of his own free will, and the police tried to defend him when he approached the police for help, since he had a problem with his relatives while he visited his mother in a hospital.' He added, 'We call upon our Christian brethren, for whom we have the utmost respect and who enjoy unparalleled treatment in Gaza - not to spoil these relations.'
The church's press release continued: 'We requested of the honorable Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, to stop this Islamic movement immediately, and we told him that they must immediately return the woman, her young daughters, and the young man to their families.'
The press release also criticized the manner in which the policemen in Gaza behaved when the father of the kidnapped young man went to bring his son back. Their response was that they were unable to help him in any way, since they are unable to intervene in the work of a Muslim religious scholar named Salam Salameh (Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament). The press release continued: 'This conduct on the part of the Palestinian police shows that there is no security for anyone, nor protection for anyone, and that the present law is not capable of defending us. Therefore we hand over this problem to the government and to all those responsible for security in this country.'
There are 3,500 Christians living in Gaza, out of a population of a million and a half." [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 17, 2012]
Denial:
"A senior official in the area of human rights (from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights based in Gaza) announced yesterday that his organization has met with five Christians that the Orthodox Church in the Gaza Strip has accused of being kidnapped by an Islamic organization. He stressed that 'they are not kidnapped' and that they converted to Islam 'out of free will'...
Father of the youth Ramad Al-Amash told France Press: 'They want to force my son to convert to Islam. I want my son either as a Christian or as a Muslim because in any case, he's my son.' He added: 'All our lives, we were Christians and we will remain Christians. We won't leave here because this is our country. I demand of the Hamas government to bring me my son.'...
The young boy Ramad said on Tuesday in a statement to the press: 'I have declared my conversion to Islam out of free will and without any coercion. I converted five months ago, but I announced my conversion to Islam this past Saturday.' He turned to his family to calm them: 'I am not kidnapped. Don't worry about me. I will come home soon and I will be with you.'" [Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, July 18, 2012]
19 july 2012
Will AP correct damaging false report about "forced conversions" of Christians in Gaza?
Two days ago the Associated Press published a story that seemed tailor made to go viral, especially on Islamophobic websites and other media only too eager to present Muslims in a negative light.
It carries the headline: “Gaza Christians protest ‘forcible conversions’”:
Dozens of Gaza Christians staged a rare public protest Monday, claiming two congregants were forcibly converted to Islam and were being held against their will. The small but noisy demonstration showed the increasingly desperate situation facing the tiny minority.
Protesters banged on a church bell and chanted, “With our spirit, with our blood we will sacrifice ourselves for you, Jesus.”
The report does not say definitively that “forced conversions” took place, and carries this caveat:
Gaza police say the two are staying with a Muslim religious official at their request, because they fear retribution from their families converting to Islam. Two mediators said the two — a 25-year-old man and a woman with three children — appeared to have embraced Islam of their free will. Forced conversions have been unheard of in Gaza before.
But it nonetheless includes these emotive quotes from family members:
“If things remain like this, there’ll be no Christians left in Gaza,” said Huda Al-Amash, mother of one of the converts, Ramez, 25. She sat sobbing in a church hallway alongside her daughters, Ranin and Rinad, and a dozen other women. “Today it’s Ramez. Then who, and who will be next?”
And adds:
On Monday, groups of men and women stood in groups in the square of the ancient Church of Saint Porphyrius, angrily chanting, “Bring back Ramez!” One man angrily hit the church bell.
“People are locking up their sons and daughters, worried about the ideas people put in their head,” said Al-Amash’s mother, Huda.
“Forced conversion” story goes viral As expected with a report from the highly influential AP, the “forced conversions” story and headline swept around the world including The Los Angeles Times, Fox News and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) of Islamophobic Christian Zionist televangelist Pat Robertson.
CBN embellished the story with its own “analysis” claiming that “Forced conversion to Islam is not a new phenomenon in Gaza.”
It is also now making the rounds of virulent Islamophobic websites such as Robert Spencer’s Jihad Watch and has also been disseminated by top pro-Israel official William Daroff of The Jewish Federation:
William Daroff@Daroff Gaza Christians protest forced conversions to Islam statesman.com/news/nation/24… (@AP h/t @Ibishblog)
Except that the story is not true.
Voluntary conversions and no coercion Given the highly sensitive nature of these issues, it was very important that the matter be investigated independently.
The highly respected Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) said in a statement that it had pursued “the different declarations and allegations regarding this incident that may affect the Palestinian social fabric.”
It confirmed that:
On Wednesday, 11 July 2012, PCHR received a complaint from the family of Hiba Abu Dawood (31). Based on this complaint, Abu Dawood left with her 3 female children to an unknown location. She then sent a SMS to her husband telling him that she had converted to Islam.
On Sunday, 15 July 2012, PCHR received another similar complaint from the family of Ramez al-Amash. Al-Amashhad left a letter for his family in their house telling them that he converted to Islam and asking them to accept his decision.
PCHR detailed the investigations and mediation that it carried out:
Over the few past days, PCHR held meetings with Abu Dawood and al-Amash and their families. On Thursday, 12 July 2012, PCHR met with Abu Dawood. It is clear that Abu Dawood converted to Islam under her own free will without any coercion.
PCHR also met with al-Amash on Sunday, 15 July 2012. PCHR organized another meeting on Monday, 16 July 2012, between al-Amash and his family. PCHR found out that al-Amashhad also converted to Islam under his own free will without any coercion.
According to information made available to PCHR, al-Amash went back to live with his family after they said that they will accept his decision. Today, 19 July 2012, PCHR organized a meeting between the 3 daughters of Abu Dawood and their father at PCHR’s head office.
PCHR reaffirmed that “the right to freedom of thought and religion that is guaranteed in the Palestinian Basic Law and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Christians in Gaza The position of Christians in Gaza – as in the rest of Palestine – is precarious, not because of forced conversions, but because this is a minority and one that has had a very high rate of emigration.
Gaza Christians interviewed by The Electronic Intifada’s Rami Almeghari in April stressed the good relations they have with their Muslim fellow Palestinians and that their identity as Palestinians supersedes religious identity.
As we reported, for example:
“Anyone who dares to say that Islamists in Gaza have been repressing us Christians is absolutely wrong and false,” Kamal Tarazi, a Christian man in his forties, told The Electronic Intifada at the YMCA.
That does not mean that occasionally people do not experience some petty harassment, as we also reported:
Riham, 22, who only gave her first name, also said that she felt there had been no difference in terms of neighborly or friendly relations between Christians and Muslims in recent years. But, she said that sometimes as she walks down the street she hears comments from passersby because she does not cover her head.
AP must correct It is understandable that AP would consider the protest by Christian families newsworthy.
However given the highly sensitive and inflammatory nature of claims about “forced conversions,” and their potential repurcussions both locally and internationally, AP had a duty to independently verify the claims.
Since the story was published, Diaa Hadid, the AP reporter who wrote it, has acknowledged that there were no forced conversions via Twitter:
Diaa Hadid@diaahadid Seems 2 Gaza Christians converted to Islam & sought protection with Hamas authorities, fearing community retribution
But this is insufficient. AP should issue a corrected or updated story that makes clear that – based on credible and independent sources – no forced conversions took place.
Given the speed of information, AP has already taken too long.
And given the levels of Islamophobia in much online media, even if AP does correct, the false claims about “forced conversions” will be recycled and embellished to inflame anti-Muslim sentiment and damage Muslim-Christian relations for years to come.
It carries the headline: “Gaza Christians protest ‘forcible conversions’”:
Dozens of Gaza Christians staged a rare public protest Monday, claiming two congregants were forcibly converted to Islam and were being held against their will. The small but noisy demonstration showed the increasingly desperate situation facing the tiny minority.
Protesters banged on a church bell and chanted, “With our spirit, with our blood we will sacrifice ourselves for you, Jesus.”
The report does not say definitively that “forced conversions” took place, and carries this caveat:
Gaza police say the two are staying with a Muslim religious official at their request, because they fear retribution from their families converting to Islam. Two mediators said the two — a 25-year-old man and a woman with three children — appeared to have embraced Islam of their free will. Forced conversions have been unheard of in Gaza before.
But it nonetheless includes these emotive quotes from family members:
“If things remain like this, there’ll be no Christians left in Gaza,” said Huda Al-Amash, mother of one of the converts, Ramez, 25. She sat sobbing in a church hallway alongside her daughters, Ranin and Rinad, and a dozen other women. “Today it’s Ramez. Then who, and who will be next?”
And adds:
On Monday, groups of men and women stood in groups in the square of the ancient Church of Saint Porphyrius, angrily chanting, “Bring back Ramez!” One man angrily hit the church bell.
“People are locking up their sons and daughters, worried about the ideas people put in their head,” said Al-Amash’s mother, Huda.
“Forced conversion” story goes viral As expected with a report from the highly influential AP, the “forced conversions” story and headline swept around the world including The Los Angeles Times, Fox News and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) of Islamophobic Christian Zionist televangelist Pat Robertson.
CBN embellished the story with its own “analysis” claiming that “Forced conversion to Islam is not a new phenomenon in Gaza.”
It is also now making the rounds of virulent Islamophobic websites such as Robert Spencer’s Jihad Watch and has also been disseminated by top pro-Israel official William Daroff of The Jewish Federation:
William Daroff@Daroff Gaza Christians protest forced conversions to Islam statesman.com/news/nation/24… (@AP h/t @Ibishblog)
Except that the story is not true.
Voluntary conversions and no coercion Given the highly sensitive nature of these issues, it was very important that the matter be investigated independently.
The highly respected Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) said in a statement that it had pursued “the different declarations and allegations regarding this incident that may affect the Palestinian social fabric.”
It confirmed that:
On Wednesday, 11 July 2012, PCHR received a complaint from the family of Hiba Abu Dawood (31). Based on this complaint, Abu Dawood left with her 3 female children to an unknown location. She then sent a SMS to her husband telling him that she had converted to Islam.
On Sunday, 15 July 2012, PCHR received another similar complaint from the family of Ramez al-Amash. Al-Amashhad left a letter for his family in their house telling them that he converted to Islam and asking them to accept his decision.
PCHR detailed the investigations and mediation that it carried out:
Over the few past days, PCHR held meetings with Abu Dawood and al-Amash and their families. On Thursday, 12 July 2012, PCHR met with Abu Dawood. It is clear that Abu Dawood converted to Islam under her own free will without any coercion.
PCHR also met with al-Amash on Sunday, 15 July 2012. PCHR organized another meeting on Monday, 16 July 2012, between al-Amash and his family. PCHR found out that al-Amashhad also converted to Islam under his own free will without any coercion.
According to information made available to PCHR, al-Amash went back to live with his family after they said that they will accept his decision. Today, 19 July 2012, PCHR organized a meeting between the 3 daughters of Abu Dawood and their father at PCHR’s head office.
PCHR reaffirmed that “the right to freedom of thought and religion that is guaranteed in the Palestinian Basic Law and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Christians in Gaza The position of Christians in Gaza – as in the rest of Palestine – is precarious, not because of forced conversions, but because this is a minority and one that has had a very high rate of emigration.
Gaza Christians interviewed by The Electronic Intifada’s Rami Almeghari in April stressed the good relations they have with their Muslim fellow Palestinians and that their identity as Palestinians supersedes religious identity.
As we reported, for example:
“Anyone who dares to say that Islamists in Gaza have been repressing us Christians is absolutely wrong and false,” Kamal Tarazi, a Christian man in his forties, told The Electronic Intifada at the YMCA.
That does not mean that occasionally people do not experience some petty harassment, as we also reported:
Riham, 22, who only gave her first name, also said that she felt there had been no difference in terms of neighborly or friendly relations between Christians and Muslims in recent years. But, she said that sometimes as she walks down the street she hears comments from passersby because she does not cover her head.
AP must correct It is understandable that AP would consider the protest by Christian families newsworthy.
However given the highly sensitive and inflammatory nature of claims about “forced conversions,” and their potential repurcussions both locally and internationally, AP had a duty to independently verify the claims.
Since the story was published, Diaa Hadid, the AP reporter who wrote it, has acknowledged that there were no forced conversions via Twitter:
Diaa Hadid@diaahadid Seems 2 Gaza Christians converted to Islam & sought protection with Hamas authorities, fearing community retribution
But this is insufficient. AP should issue a corrected or updated story that makes clear that – based on credible and independent sources – no forced conversions took place.
Given the speed of information, AP has already taken too long.
And given the levels of Islamophobia in much online media, even if AP does correct, the false claims about “forced conversions” will be recycled and embellished to inflame anti-Muslim sentiment and damage Muslim-Christian relations for years to come.
18 july 2012
Human rights group: All the 5 Christians converted to Islam of their free will
The Palestinian center for human rights on Tuesday denied that a Muslim group kidnapped five Christians or coerced them into being Muslims, affirming that they converted to Islam of their free will.
Director of the legal unit at the center Iyad Al-Alimi said that at the request of two Christian families, we held two separate meetings, one with Ramez Al-Amash and another with Hiba Abu Dawoud and her three daughters in the headquarters of the center in Gaza.
Alimi affirmed that the officials at the center made sure that the five Palestinian citizens converted to Islam of their free will without coercion and the accusations about their kidnapping were unfounded.
He affirmed that the center is making efforts to contain in particular the issue of the young man Ramez to enable him to live normally with his family after his conversion to Islam.
Gaza police, for their part, stated that the two, a 25-year-old man and a woman with three daughters, embraced Islam of their free will and are staying with a Muslim religious figure temporarily because they fear retribution from their families for converting to Islam.
Director of the legal unit at the center Iyad Al-Alimi said that at the request of two Christian families, we held two separate meetings, one with Ramez Al-Amash and another with Hiba Abu Dawoud and her three daughters in the headquarters of the center in Gaza.
Alimi affirmed that the officials at the center made sure that the five Palestinian citizens converted to Islam of their free will without coercion and the accusations about their kidnapping were unfounded.
He affirmed that the center is making efforts to contain in particular the issue of the young man Ramez to enable him to live normally with his family after his conversion to Islam.
Gaza police, for their part, stated that the two, a 25-year-old man and a woman with three daughters, embraced Islam of their free will and are staying with a Muslim religious figure temporarily because they fear retribution from their families for converting to Islam.
Inside the Christians United for Israel rally: Unconditional support for Israel
Ben-Ari tearing pages from the New Testament
American Christians from all over the U.S. attend gathering; largely unmoved over MK tearing up New Testament.
Liberal Internet users were quick to point out on Tuesday the irony in the fact that the seventh annual gathering of "Christians United for Israel" (CUFI) taking place in Convention Center in Washington, DC, coincided with a Israeli MK Michael Ben-Ari demonstratively tearing up a copy of the New Testament he received by mail, and throwing it into the trash, calling it " an abominable book that brought about the murder of millions of Jews in the Inquisition and autos da fé” and "provocation by church missionaries."
However, the leadership of the organization that claims 1.25 million supporters in the United States seemed unmoved by this act. "People here say that when they wanted to help Israel, at first they weren't welcomed with opened arms," CUFI Executive Director David Brog told "Haaretz". "Jews are somewhat suspicious toward Christians. So stories like this might disappoint our Christian friends, they might be curious why should anyone who belongs to people that went through such persecution, would be engaged in such destructive task. But I don't think it will deter them from their task."
Joshua Ahrens, a student from Portland State University, was not dismayed by Ben-Ari’s act either.
"My support of Jews is unconditional. I was astonished how quickly Jewish people opened their hearts and minds to me, and responsibility is on me to explain my motivations. So one person (Ben-Ari) doesn't trouble me at all,” said Ahrens.
Ahrens says he decided to get involved with CUFI on campus after "hearing some anti-Semitic remarks by professors on campus".
"I was looking for organization that deals with this kind of stuff. We put up a flier with an Israeli flags - the next morning I got a text message from one of the students that someone drew a swastika on it,” said Ahrens.
“This is not an OK comparison to me; it was done to hurt other people. So we alerted campus authorities and were shocked they were completely powerless. We had other students circulating untruthful mails about us,” continued Ahrens.
Pro-Israel activity on campuses was the major emphasis of the conference that brought together about 5000 participants from all over the U.S. They were served the usual mix of a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Israel public advocacy panels, prayers, a medly of Israeli songs, mostly right-wing speakers, received with standing ovation and waving Israeli and American flags. Speakers asked for "even bigger sacrifice" - i.e. donations.
Some things looked exactly the same as last year - including the choice of songs (with musical performance led by CUFI's leader, Pastor John Hagee's grown-up kids), and Pastor Hagee laying the Biblical foundation for unconditional support of Israel and criticism of the Obama administration.
"Supporting Israel is not a political issue, it's a Bible issue", Pastor Hagee exclaimed. "There is only one way to live your life - the Bible way or the wrong way."
Later on, he said: "Can we support peace agreement that doesn't provide Israel with defensible borders? The green line is not a defensible border."
Hagee turned to the subject of Iran, adding that "sanctions on Iran are mostly smoke. The Obama administration wants to make them even weaker. All twenty of Iran's major trading partners got exemptions from sanctions. [Secretary of Defense] Leon Panetta is exposing Israel's secret airbases.”
“Wouldn't it be better if the two nations would join forces and remove the nuclear threat?" asked Hagee.
The next issue was the indivisible Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. "Without Jerusalem there is no real life in Israel," Pastor Hagee said. "It's where the Messiah is going to rule the Earth. I assure you, this madness is going to end. The President of the U.S. told people of Jerusalem they can't build additional homes there. He has no authority to tell them that! They are a democracy!" (Another round of thunderous applause).
On the first floor, a special exhibition was arranged – with a warning sign at the entrance that read "the area you are about to enter is representative of the anti-Israeli propaganda students experience on their college campuses."
There was a mock "apartheid wall" that is used often during the "Israel apartheid week" protests on campuses, the "rogues" wall with prominent Israel critics such as Noam Chomsky and Norman Finkelstein; plasma screen with video interview with college professor calling rockets fired from Gaza "self-defense," and computers offering visitors opportunities to check out various CUFI activities on campuses.
Ossie Hill, an African-American woman who came with her husband from California to CUFI conference for the second time in a row, says she became a supporter of the organization through her friend who is involved with the organization - and she along with other activists received a trip to Israel. "CUFI keeps us really updated on what is going on in Israel, and how to pray for these issues," she says.
Most conference attendants were Christian, but there were also some skullcaps spotted at the event.
Outside, several “Neturei Karta" members protested in front of the Convention center, holding signs saying that Zionism is not equal to Judaism - and some CUFI participants coming to argue with them - or just calling "shame on you!"
One of the skullcaps belonged to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who is running these days for Congress from New York's district nine. "There was a story recently that Israel is one of the most hated countries in the world", he told "Haaretz".
"In an age when Israel is so unfairly maligned and subject to such unwarranted vitriol, it's startling to see a vast group of millions who feel precisely the opposite - that Israel is the light, a beacon of human rights, freedom and a fulfillment of an ancient dream of Jewish destiny,” said Boteach.
As author of "Kosher Jesus," Rabbi Boteach was appalled by MK Ben-Ari's act. "I've seen irrational Jewish reactions to Christian scriptures. This reaction on the part of some Jews to Christianity and their desire to denigrate is a tragic reminder of how Judaism was often treated by Christians. We expect respect to all religions. They do it in Saudi Arabia. It's Taliban stuff. It's not Jewish. I feel strong about the important friendship of Christian and Jewish people. But America has ever had history of Christian Anti-Semitism, and I see CUFI is an apogee of its love affair,” said Boteach
Boteach went on to discuss the notion that such Christians are interested in Israel only to bring about the second coming of the messiah. "Judaism is clear that action is more important than intention, it's not motivation that matters. I also don't buy it that Christians love for Israel is a pre-condition for the return of Christ. I do believe it's sincere. I think it's based on a true desire to connect to the origins of Christianity,” said Boteach.
It is no secret that some of CUFI activists are considered to be far on the right. One of the members this year was wearing to the festive banquet closing the conference T-shirt against gay and lesbians, "poisoning minds" of kids, and comparing Obama with an anti-Christ. The organization is arguing they are not responsible for personal positions of conference participants. Formally they are also not endorsing political candidates - but of course, the tendency is clear.
"We don't endorse candidates. But I have some disappointments with first Obama administration, there seems to be a perception that Israel's intransigence is a problem. I see differently what drives this conflict - Israel comes again and again to the table, I don't see Israeli reluctance to negotiate as a problem."
Brog also commented on recent efforts by some churches to divest from companies that do business with Israel. "We don't think their leadership will be influenced by us, but we create home for their disaffected members, said Brog.
"Last month I spoke for the first time at a Methodist church. Christians are going to be involved with an issue of Israel whether you are comfortable with it or not. We work to make sure they are on our side,” he continued.
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann was one of the last speakers at the conference.
Bachmann spoke at length about Israel's troubled neighborhood and stated that the U.S. "should recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.”
Also, Bachmann called on Obama to forbid the entry of Egyptian President Mursi into the U.S. rather than invite him in, unless he "renounces jihad".
On Iran, Bachmann said “pigs will fly before Iran cedes use of nuclear power. If history taught us a lesson - it is when man threatens annihilation of Jewish people - listen... The world must know we will never waiver commitment to Israel. We believe G-d will bless those who bless Israel.”
American Christians from all over the U.S. attend gathering; largely unmoved over MK tearing up New Testament.
Liberal Internet users were quick to point out on Tuesday the irony in the fact that the seventh annual gathering of "Christians United for Israel" (CUFI) taking place in Convention Center in Washington, DC, coincided with a Israeli MK Michael Ben-Ari demonstratively tearing up a copy of the New Testament he received by mail, and throwing it into the trash, calling it " an abominable book that brought about the murder of millions of Jews in the Inquisition and autos da fé” and "provocation by church missionaries."
However, the leadership of the organization that claims 1.25 million supporters in the United States seemed unmoved by this act. "People here say that when they wanted to help Israel, at first they weren't welcomed with opened arms," CUFI Executive Director David Brog told "Haaretz". "Jews are somewhat suspicious toward Christians. So stories like this might disappoint our Christian friends, they might be curious why should anyone who belongs to people that went through such persecution, would be engaged in such destructive task. But I don't think it will deter them from their task."
Joshua Ahrens, a student from Portland State University, was not dismayed by Ben-Ari’s act either.
"My support of Jews is unconditional. I was astonished how quickly Jewish people opened their hearts and minds to me, and responsibility is on me to explain my motivations. So one person (Ben-Ari) doesn't trouble me at all,” said Ahrens.
Ahrens says he decided to get involved with CUFI on campus after "hearing some anti-Semitic remarks by professors on campus".
"I was looking for organization that deals with this kind of stuff. We put up a flier with an Israeli flags - the next morning I got a text message from one of the students that someone drew a swastika on it,” said Ahrens.
“This is not an OK comparison to me; it was done to hurt other people. So we alerted campus authorities and were shocked they were completely powerless. We had other students circulating untruthful mails about us,” continued Ahrens.
Pro-Israel activity on campuses was the major emphasis of the conference that brought together about 5000 participants from all over the U.S. They were served the usual mix of a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Israel public advocacy panels, prayers, a medly of Israeli songs, mostly right-wing speakers, received with standing ovation and waving Israeli and American flags. Speakers asked for "even bigger sacrifice" - i.e. donations.
Some things looked exactly the same as last year - including the choice of songs (with musical performance led by CUFI's leader, Pastor John Hagee's grown-up kids), and Pastor Hagee laying the Biblical foundation for unconditional support of Israel and criticism of the Obama administration.
"Supporting Israel is not a political issue, it's a Bible issue", Pastor Hagee exclaimed. "There is only one way to live your life - the Bible way or the wrong way."
Later on, he said: "Can we support peace agreement that doesn't provide Israel with defensible borders? The green line is not a defensible border."
Hagee turned to the subject of Iran, adding that "sanctions on Iran are mostly smoke. The Obama administration wants to make them even weaker. All twenty of Iran's major trading partners got exemptions from sanctions. [Secretary of Defense] Leon Panetta is exposing Israel's secret airbases.”
“Wouldn't it be better if the two nations would join forces and remove the nuclear threat?" asked Hagee.
The next issue was the indivisible Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. "Without Jerusalem there is no real life in Israel," Pastor Hagee said. "It's where the Messiah is going to rule the Earth. I assure you, this madness is going to end. The President of the U.S. told people of Jerusalem they can't build additional homes there. He has no authority to tell them that! They are a democracy!" (Another round of thunderous applause).
On the first floor, a special exhibition was arranged – with a warning sign at the entrance that read "the area you are about to enter is representative of the anti-Israeli propaganda students experience on their college campuses."
There was a mock "apartheid wall" that is used often during the "Israel apartheid week" protests on campuses, the "rogues" wall with prominent Israel critics such as Noam Chomsky and Norman Finkelstein; plasma screen with video interview with college professor calling rockets fired from Gaza "self-defense," and computers offering visitors opportunities to check out various CUFI activities on campuses.
Ossie Hill, an African-American woman who came with her husband from California to CUFI conference for the second time in a row, says she became a supporter of the organization through her friend who is involved with the organization - and she along with other activists received a trip to Israel. "CUFI keeps us really updated on what is going on in Israel, and how to pray for these issues," she says.
Most conference attendants were Christian, but there were also some skullcaps spotted at the event.
Outside, several “Neturei Karta" members protested in front of the Convention center, holding signs saying that Zionism is not equal to Judaism - and some CUFI participants coming to argue with them - or just calling "shame on you!"
One of the skullcaps belonged to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, who is running these days for Congress from New York's district nine. "There was a story recently that Israel is one of the most hated countries in the world", he told "Haaretz".
"In an age when Israel is so unfairly maligned and subject to such unwarranted vitriol, it's startling to see a vast group of millions who feel precisely the opposite - that Israel is the light, a beacon of human rights, freedom and a fulfillment of an ancient dream of Jewish destiny,” said Boteach.
As author of "Kosher Jesus," Rabbi Boteach was appalled by MK Ben-Ari's act. "I've seen irrational Jewish reactions to Christian scriptures. This reaction on the part of some Jews to Christianity and their desire to denigrate is a tragic reminder of how Judaism was often treated by Christians. We expect respect to all religions. They do it in Saudi Arabia. It's Taliban stuff. It's not Jewish. I feel strong about the important friendship of Christian and Jewish people. But America has ever had history of Christian Anti-Semitism, and I see CUFI is an apogee of its love affair,” said Boteach
Boteach went on to discuss the notion that such Christians are interested in Israel only to bring about the second coming of the messiah. "Judaism is clear that action is more important than intention, it's not motivation that matters. I also don't buy it that Christians love for Israel is a pre-condition for the return of Christ. I do believe it's sincere. I think it's based on a true desire to connect to the origins of Christianity,” said Boteach.
It is no secret that some of CUFI activists are considered to be far on the right. One of the members this year was wearing to the festive banquet closing the conference T-shirt against gay and lesbians, "poisoning minds" of kids, and comparing Obama with an anti-Christ. The organization is arguing they are not responsible for personal positions of conference participants. Formally they are also not endorsing political candidates - but of course, the tendency is clear.
"We don't endorse candidates. But I have some disappointments with first Obama administration, there seems to be a perception that Israel's intransigence is a problem. I see differently what drives this conflict - Israel comes again and again to the table, I don't see Israeli reluctance to negotiate as a problem."
Brog also commented on recent efforts by some churches to divest from companies that do business with Israel. "We don't think their leadership will be influenced by us, but we create home for their disaffected members, said Brog.
"Last month I spoke for the first time at a Methodist church. Christians are going to be involved with an issue of Israel whether you are comfortable with it or not. We work to make sure they are on our side,” he continued.
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann was one of the last speakers at the conference.
Bachmann spoke at length about Israel's troubled neighborhood and stated that the U.S. "should recognize Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.”
Also, Bachmann called on Obama to forbid the entry of Egyptian President Mursi into the U.S. rather than invite him in, unless he "renounces jihad".
On Iran, Bachmann said “pigs will fly before Iran cedes use of nuclear power. If history taught us a lesson - it is when man threatens annihilation of Jewish people - listen... The world must know we will never waiver commitment to Israel. We believe G-d will bless those who bless Israel.”
17 july 2012
MK Michael Ben-Ari rips up New Testament, throws it in trash
Ben-Ari tearing pages from the New Testament
According to the Israeli website NRG, MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) tore the New Testament to pieces and then threw it in the trash after the Bible was sent to all 120 members of Knesset by a man named Victor Kalish, who according to NRG specializes in publishing Christian religious texts.
In the article, Ben Ari is quoted as saying, “This abhorrent book promoted the murders of millions of Jews during the Inquisition and the autos da fé… this is an ugly missionary provocation by the Church, there’s no doubt that the book and its senders belong in the trash of history.”
According to the Israeli website NRG, MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) tore the New Testament to pieces and then threw it in the trash after the Bible was sent to all 120 members of Knesset by a man named Victor Kalish, who according to NRG specializes in publishing Christian religious texts.
In the article, Ben Ari is quoted as saying, “This abhorrent book promoted the murders of millions of Jews during the Inquisition and the autos da fé… this is an ugly missionary provocation by the Church, there’s no doubt that the book and its senders belong in the trash of history.”
Gaza Christians protest abduction of young man
Christians in the Gaza Strip staged a sit-in protest on Monday against the abduction of a young man who his family say was being forced to convert to Islam by an armed group, Ma'an's correspondent said.
Dozens of Christians protested in the Orthodox church in Gaza City, claiming that a Christian man and two girls had been kidnapped.
Greek Orthodox Archbishop Alexios said a young man, Ramiz al-Amash, was kidnapped by an Islamist group on Saturday after attempts to force him to convert from Christianity to Islam.
He was prevented from calling his family.
"The young man's parents went to the police to lodge a complaint about the kidnapping of their son, but it did nothing," Archbishop Alexios said.
Al-Amash's mother became sick and had to be taken to hospital. The family managed to contact the kidnappers and they took Ramiz to see her surrounded by three jeeps filled with gunmen. They then took him away again to an unknown location.
He is most likely being held in al-Bureij or al-Maghazi refugee camp, Archbishop Alexios said.
"There are some groups trying to persuade young Christians to convert to Islam. They abduct them away from their parents and their families, they threaten them," he said.
Hamas government spokesman Ayman Batniji said there had been no kidnappings in Gaza, adding that police in the coastal enclave have the utmost respect for Christians.
Archbishop Alexios called on officials to intervene to stop abductions, stressing that there has been a good relationship between Muslims and Christians over the past years.
There are around 3,000 Christians in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh said last year that Muslims and Christians in Gaza have "one goal and a common destiny."
Dozens of Christians protested in the Orthodox church in Gaza City, claiming that a Christian man and two girls had been kidnapped.
Greek Orthodox Archbishop Alexios said a young man, Ramiz al-Amash, was kidnapped by an Islamist group on Saturday after attempts to force him to convert from Christianity to Islam.
He was prevented from calling his family.
"The young man's parents went to the police to lodge a complaint about the kidnapping of their son, but it did nothing," Archbishop Alexios said.
Al-Amash's mother became sick and had to be taken to hospital. The family managed to contact the kidnappers and they took Ramiz to see her surrounded by three jeeps filled with gunmen. They then took him away again to an unknown location.
He is most likely being held in al-Bureij or al-Maghazi refugee camp, Archbishop Alexios said.
"There are some groups trying to persuade young Christians to convert to Islam. They abduct them away from their parents and their families, they threaten them," he said.
Hamas government spokesman Ayman Batniji said there had been no kidnappings in Gaza, adding that police in the coastal enclave have the utmost respect for Christians.
Archbishop Alexios called on officials to intervene to stop abductions, stressing that there has been a good relationship between Muslims and Christians over the past years.
There are around 3,000 Christians in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh said last year that Muslims and Christians in Gaza have "one goal and a common destiny."
1 july 2012
Israel Holocaust memorial softens view of WW2 pope
Israel's national Holocaust memorial has toned down its account of Pope Pius XII's controversial conduct during World War II, following a diplomatic flap with the Vatican.
A wall panel at the Yad Vashem memorial inaugurated Sunday still says the wartime pontiff did not do enough on behalf of Europe's Jews. But it also offers the views of defenders who say that the church's "neutrality" helped save lives.
It takes a veiled barb at the Vatican for not opening its secret archives for historians to review the pontiff's wartime actions.
The papal nuncio to Israel had threatened to skip the annual Holocaust remembrance day ceremony at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem 2007 because of the panel. He eventually relented, but the spat frayed delicate ties between Israel and the Vatican.
A wall panel at the Yad Vashem memorial inaugurated Sunday still says the wartime pontiff did not do enough on behalf of Europe's Jews. But it also offers the views of defenders who say that the church's "neutrality" helped save lives.
It takes a veiled barb at the Vatican for not opening its secret archives for historians to review the pontiff's wartime actions.
The papal nuncio to Israel had threatened to skip the annual Holocaust remembrance day ceremony at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem 2007 because of the panel. He eventually relented, but the spat frayed delicate ties between Israel and the Vatican.
29 june 2012
Israel, US blast vote on Palestinian heritage sites
Israel and the United States blasted the UN cultural agency Friday after it recognized holy sites in the city of Bethlehem by adding them to a world heritage list.
"This is proof that UNESCO is motivated by political and not cultural considerations," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement following the decision.
"Instead of taking steps to promote peace, the Palestinians are acting unilaterally, which makes peace more distant," Reuters quoted the statement as saying.
Ofir Gendelman, Netanyahu's spokesman for Arabic media, said the world "must remember that the Church of the Nativity which is holy to Christianity was desecrated by Palestinian terrorists" in 2002.
Gendelman wrote on Twitter after the announcement that "Instead of the Palestinians taking steps to further peace, they are acting in a unilateral way that only distances peace."
The US ambassador to UNESCO, David Killion, said he was "profoundly disappointed by the decision".
"This is proof that UNESCO is motivated by political and not cultural considerations," Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement following the decision.
"Instead of taking steps to promote peace, the Palestinians are acting unilaterally, which makes peace more distant," Reuters quoted the statement as saying.
Ofir Gendelman, Netanyahu's spokesman for Arabic media, said the world "must remember that the Church of the Nativity which is holy to Christianity was desecrated by Palestinian terrorists" in 2002.
Gendelman wrote on Twitter after the announcement that "Instead of the Palestinians taking steps to further peace, they are acting in a unilateral way that only distances peace."
The US ambassador to UNESCO, David Killion, said he was "profoundly disappointed by the decision".
UNESCO votes to add Bethlehem holy sites to world heritage list
A man stands on a section of the Pilgrimage Route, the path which tradition says Joseph and Mary took into Bethlehem from Nazareth some 2,000 years ago, on June 28.
UNESCO on Friday declared Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and the nearby pilgrimage route World Heritage sites.
Thirteen members of the 21-nation World Heritage Committee voted in favor of the Palestinian application, securing exactly the needed number of votes. Two countries abstained and six voted against the bid.
"I am delighted," Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the conference in St. Petersburg, to rapturous applause. "You have our most gracious thanks."
He applauded the committee for granting Palestinians their cultural rights and pledged Palestine's commitment to protecting world heritage.
Palestine is the "cradle of human civilization" he said, adding that it will submit further nominations to secure world heritage status for villages south of Jerusalem whose identities are threatened by Israel's wall.
Talking to Ma'an after the vote, al-Malki said Bethlehem's new status ensured its protection from Israel and that the success of the bid was "a huge Palestinian achievement."
In Bethlehem, deputy mayor George Saade thanked all the countries that voted in support of the bid.
"We feel that this is justice and we are very happy about this. Everybody is happy in Bethlehem and Palestine," he told Ma'an.
PLO leader Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the decision as a moment of "national pride."
"The Palestinian people are celebrating this decision as a moment of national pride and affirmation of their rich and unique heritage and identity," she said in a statement after the vote.
"It is a welcome recognition by the international community of our historical and cultural rights in this land and our commitment to the protection and preservation of such significant Palestinian cultural and religious sites in spite of the Israeli occupation and all its prejudicial measures."
Palestine's nomination of the sites, under a single application titled "Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route," included the church and three surrounding monasteries in addition to the route.
The application stressed that the nomination was only the first in a series of nominations to inscribe all sites in Bethlehem related to the story of the birth of Jesus into the UNESCO world heritage list.
The UNESCO list is intended to recognize and protect world cultural and natural heritage sites that meet a "universal value to humanity." Some 900 sites have been registered since the list was introduced in 1972.
UNESCO to start vote on Bethlehem holy sites
UNESCO may vote on Friday whether to admit two ancient Christian pilgrimage sites in Bethlehem on a list of world heritage sites, a PA Foreign Ministry official said.
Omar Awadallah told Ma'an voting may begin at noon Friday as the global cultural organisation's World Heritage Committee, meeting in Russia, had started discussions on Bethlehem on Thursday, a day earlier than expected.
A Palestinian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, is working hard to convince the 21-nation committee to add Christian sites in Bethlehem to the world heritage list despite Israeli and US objections to the application, Awadallah said.
To succeed, the bid needs the support of 75 percent of the committee, and Awadallah said the delegation had enlisted the support of 11 countries. He expected the bid to be successful, but cautioned that countries could change their decisions "at the last second."
The PA Foreign Ministry has prepared applications to add another 20 archaeological sites to the World Heritage committee after the vote on Bethlehem, Awadallah said, adding that each country could only admit two sites at a time.
If the current bid to add the Church of the Nativity and nearby Pilgrimage Route is successful, the Palestinian Authority will hold celebrations on July 7, Awadallah said.
PA Minister of Culture Siham Barghouti told Ma'an that Palestinians had a right to preserve cultural and religious places, particularly the Nativity Church, built over a grotto where Christian tradition says Jesus was born.
The 4th century church needs repairs, especially to its roof. The Pilgrimage Route marks the path which tradition says Joseph and Mary took into the city in their trek from Nazareth 2,000 years ago.
Palestinians have a right to preserve sites particularly given that Palestine was accepted as a full member of UNESCO in 2011, Barghouti said. Russia's minister of culture has agreed to support the application, he added.
PA Tourism Minister Rula Maayeh told Ma'an that adding Bethlehem to the World Heritage list would encourage tourism to the West Bank city and demonstrate its international value.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bethlehem on Tuesday helped raise the city's profile and would encourage other visitors, she added.
In Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor objected to the Palestinian claim that Bethlehem sites are in imminent danger.
"The real purpose here is not really UNESCO support, but simply to bash Israel again," Palmor said. "We have no objection whatsoever to the inclusion of the Nativity Church. The Palestinians are looking for a conflict at any cost."
Nada al-Atrash, of the Bethlehem Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation, says the bid is urgent as water leaking from the church's roof is damaging icons.
Bethlehem's deputy mayor, George Saade, told reporters Wednesday that the UNESCO bid was intended "to preserve our heritage and most important sites. This city is one of the most important places for Christians. Here God gave us a gift, our beloved Jesus Christ."
He added: "This is not a political issue; it's a civilian issue. It is our heritage ... Israel wants to turn it into a political issue."
Last year, UNESCO granted Palestine full membership, a decision seen at the time as a boost to their bid, since largely stalled, to win unilateral statehood recognition from the United Nations in the absence of peace talks with Israel.
Israel and the United States, which subsequently cut off its $80 million annual funding of UNESCO, condemned the decision, saying peace negotiations - which collapsed in 2010 - were the only path to a Palestinian state.
UNESCO on Friday declared Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and the nearby pilgrimage route World Heritage sites.
Thirteen members of the 21-nation World Heritage Committee voted in favor of the Palestinian application, securing exactly the needed number of votes. Two countries abstained and six voted against the bid.
"I am delighted," Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the conference in St. Petersburg, to rapturous applause. "You have our most gracious thanks."
He applauded the committee for granting Palestinians their cultural rights and pledged Palestine's commitment to protecting world heritage.
Palestine is the "cradle of human civilization" he said, adding that it will submit further nominations to secure world heritage status for villages south of Jerusalem whose identities are threatened by Israel's wall.
Talking to Ma'an after the vote, al-Malki said Bethlehem's new status ensured its protection from Israel and that the success of the bid was "a huge Palestinian achievement."
In Bethlehem, deputy mayor George Saade thanked all the countries that voted in support of the bid.
"We feel that this is justice and we are very happy about this. Everybody is happy in Bethlehem and Palestine," he told Ma'an.
PLO leader Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the decision as a moment of "national pride."
"The Palestinian people are celebrating this decision as a moment of national pride and affirmation of their rich and unique heritage and identity," she said in a statement after the vote.
"It is a welcome recognition by the international community of our historical and cultural rights in this land and our commitment to the protection and preservation of such significant Palestinian cultural and religious sites in spite of the Israeli occupation and all its prejudicial measures."
Palestine's nomination of the sites, under a single application titled "Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route," included the church and three surrounding monasteries in addition to the route.
The application stressed that the nomination was only the first in a series of nominations to inscribe all sites in Bethlehem related to the story of the birth of Jesus into the UNESCO world heritage list.
The UNESCO list is intended to recognize and protect world cultural and natural heritage sites that meet a "universal value to humanity." Some 900 sites have been registered since the list was introduced in 1972.
UNESCO to start vote on Bethlehem holy sites
UNESCO may vote on Friday whether to admit two ancient Christian pilgrimage sites in Bethlehem on a list of world heritage sites, a PA Foreign Ministry official said.
Omar Awadallah told Ma'an voting may begin at noon Friday as the global cultural organisation's World Heritage Committee, meeting in Russia, had started discussions on Bethlehem on Thursday, a day earlier than expected.
A Palestinian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, is working hard to convince the 21-nation committee to add Christian sites in Bethlehem to the world heritage list despite Israeli and US objections to the application, Awadallah said.
To succeed, the bid needs the support of 75 percent of the committee, and Awadallah said the delegation had enlisted the support of 11 countries. He expected the bid to be successful, but cautioned that countries could change their decisions "at the last second."
The PA Foreign Ministry has prepared applications to add another 20 archaeological sites to the World Heritage committee after the vote on Bethlehem, Awadallah said, adding that each country could only admit two sites at a time.
If the current bid to add the Church of the Nativity and nearby Pilgrimage Route is successful, the Palestinian Authority will hold celebrations on July 7, Awadallah said.
PA Minister of Culture Siham Barghouti told Ma'an that Palestinians had a right to preserve cultural and religious places, particularly the Nativity Church, built over a grotto where Christian tradition says Jesus was born.
The 4th century church needs repairs, especially to its roof. The Pilgrimage Route marks the path which tradition says Joseph and Mary took into the city in their trek from Nazareth 2,000 years ago.
Palestinians have a right to preserve sites particularly given that Palestine was accepted as a full member of UNESCO in 2011, Barghouti said. Russia's minister of culture has agreed to support the application, he added.
PA Tourism Minister Rula Maayeh told Ma'an that adding Bethlehem to the World Heritage list would encourage tourism to the West Bank city and demonstrate its international value.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bethlehem on Tuesday helped raise the city's profile and would encourage other visitors, she added.
In Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor objected to the Palestinian claim that Bethlehem sites are in imminent danger.
"The real purpose here is not really UNESCO support, but simply to bash Israel again," Palmor said. "We have no objection whatsoever to the inclusion of the Nativity Church. The Palestinians are looking for a conflict at any cost."
Nada al-Atrash, of the Bethlehem Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation, says the bid is urgent as water leaking from the church's roof is damaging icons.
Bethlehem's deputy mayor, George Saade, told reporters Wednesday that the UNESCO bid was intended "to preserve our heritage and most important sites. This city is one of the most important places for Christians. Here God gave us a gift, our beloved Jesus Christ."
He added: "This is not a political issue; it's a civilian issue. It is our heritage ... Israel wants to turn it into a political issue."
Last year, UNESCO granted Palestine full membership, a decision seen at the time as a boost to their bid, since largely stalled, to win unilateral statehood recognition from the United Nations in the absence of peace talks with Israel.
Israel and the United States, which subsequently cut off its $80 million annual funding of UNESCO, condemned the decision, saying peace negotiations - which collapsed in 2010 - were the only path to a Palestinian state.
28 june 2012
UNESCO set to vote on Bethlehem holy sites
Palestinian officials said Wednesday they expect the UN's cultural body to admit two ancient Christian pilgrimage sites in Bethlehem on a list of world heritage sites.
"We believe the moral majority will be with the Palestinian rights," Omar Awadallah, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said of the vote expected Friday in Russia. "Self-determination includes cultural rights," he said.
Palestine's representatives at UNESCO are putting forth an application that includes two Bethlehem-area holy sites - the Church of the Nativity and nearby Pilgrimage Route. The sites are among 20 in the occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem that officials hope to eventually submit.
Awadallah said the Palestinian leadership was seeking to add the sites to the heritage list in order to protect them from threats they face under occupation and a poor economic climate.
Along with the Bethlehem sites, they are also making continuous efforts to protect Palestinian heritage areas in Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967, Awadallah said.
George Saade, the deputy mayor of Bethlehem, told reporters at a briefing Wednesday that the UNESCO bid was intended "to preserve our heritage and most important sites."
"Bethlehem is the capital city of the Christian world," he said, and the vote will be remembered as "a very important day for us. This is our right as citizens to protect our heritage."
He added: "We are asking the world to vote for Bethlehem."
"We believe the moral majority will be with the Palestinian rights," Omar Awadallah, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said of the vote expected Friday in Russia. "Self-determination includes cultural rights," he said.
Palestine's representatives at UNESCO are putting forth an application that includes two Bethlehem-area holy sites - the Church of the Nativity and nearby Pilgrimage Route. The sites are among 20 in the occupied West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem that officials hope to eventually submit.
Awadallah said the Palestinian leadership was seeking to add the sites to the heritage list in order to protect them from threats they face under occupation and a poor economic climate.
Along with the Bethlehem sites, they are also making continuous efforts to protect Palestinian heritage areas in Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967, Awadallah said.
George Saade, the deputy mayor of Bethlehem, told reporters at a briefing Wednesday that the UNESCO bid was intended "to preserve our heritage and most important sites."
"Bethlehem is the capital city of the Christian world," he said, and the vote will be remembered as "a very important day for us. This is our right as citizens to protect our heritage."
He added: "We are asking the world to vote for Bethlehem."
27 june 2012
Jordan concerned over Israeli negotiations with the Vatican
The Jordanian foreign ministry has expressed concern over the reported negotiations between The Vatican and Israel regarding Christian shrines in occupied Jerusalem.
The ministry’s spokeswoman Sabah Al-Rafee said in a press statement published on Wednesday that foreign minister Nasser Joude had summoned The Vatican ambassador to Amman a couple of days ago and voiced Jordan’s concern over the reported negotiations.
She said that Joude told the ambassador that the agreement to be signed between the two parties about the church’s taxes and financial issues might be interpreted as an indirect Vatican recognition of the Israeli sovereignty over occupied eastern Jerusalem.
She quoted Jouda as asking for detailed information about the draft agreement to be signed by the two parties, stressing that Jordan refuses any measure that might affect east Jerusalem’s status as an occupied land.
The ministry’s spokeswoman Sabah Al-Rafee said in a press statement published on Wednesday that foreign minister Nasser Joude had summoned The Vatican ambassador to Amman a couple of days ago and voiced Jordan’s concern over the reported negotiations.
She said that Joude told the ambassador that the agreement to be signed between the two parties about the church’s taxes and financial issues might be interpreted as an indirect Vatican recognition of the Israeli sovereignty over occupied eastern Jerusalem.
She quoted Jouda as asking for detailed information about the draft agreement to be signed by the two parties, stressing that Jordan refuses any measure that might affect east Jerusalem’s status as an occupied land.
16 june 2012
Palestinian delegation to visit Vatican
A Palestinian delegation will visit the Vatican in coming days to meet with officials and discuss an economic agreement being negotiated with Israel.
Officials are concerned the agreement, which involves tax status and other financial issues concerning Church properties in the Holy Land, would result in a recognition of Israel's control of East Jerusalem.
The official Palestinian Authority news agency Wafa published on Saturday a presidential decree issued by Mahmoud Abbas. The decree reads that the PLO’s negotiations department met upon Abbas’ request and decided to send a high-profile delegation to the Vatican to clarify the Vatican's stance.
The Vatican last week said that the agreement will not mean recognition of Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem.
Both sides have been negotiating the agreement for years and there is no indication when they will reach an accord.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of an eventual homeland. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in the 1967 war and in 1980 declared the city its "united and eternal" capital.
World powers have not recognized the annexation.
Morocco asks The Vatican not to sign agreement legitimizing occupation
Morocco has called on The Vatican not to sign any agreement with Israel legitimizing the occupation of Jerusalem.
The Moroccan foreign ministry, in a statement on Friday night, expressed concern regarding reports that the agreement, to be signed between The Vatican and Israel concerning taxes and financial issues of the church's property in occupied Palestine, will ultimately lead to the recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, which is in violation of the international law.
The statement added, "The Kingdom of Morocco demands all parties to abide by UN resolutions that emphasize the need to preserve the legal status of Jerusalem and to cancel all measures that would change this status."
The King of Morocco is the chairman of the Quds (Jerusalem) committee that was formed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to cater for the affairs of the occupied holy city.
Officials are concerned the agreement, which involves tax status and other financial issues concerning Church properties in the Holy Land, would result in a recognition of Israel's control of East Jerusalem.
The official Palestinian Authority news agency Wafa published on Saturday a presidential decree issued by Mahmoud Abbas. The decree reads that the PLO’s negotiations department met upon Abbas’ request and decided to send a high-profile delegation to the Vatican to clarify the Vatican's stance.
The Vatican last week said that the agreement will not mean recognition of Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem.
Both sides have been negotiating the agreement for years and there is no indication when they will reach an accord.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of an eventual homeland. Israel annexed East Jerusalem in the 1967 war and in 1980 declared the city its "united and eternal" capital.
World powers have not recognized the annexation.
Morocco asks The Vatican not to sign agreement legitimizing occupation
Morocco has called on The Vatican not to sign any agreement with Israel legitimizing the occupation of Jerusalem.
The Moroccan foreign ministry, in a statement on Friday night, expressed concern regarding reports that the agreement, to be signed between The Vatican and Israel concerning taxes and financial issues of the church's property in occupied Palestine, will ultimately lead to the recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, which is in violation of the international law.
The statement added, "The Kingdom of Morocco demands all parties to abide by UN resolutions that emphasize the need to preserve the legal status of Jerusalem and to cancel all measures that would change this status."
The King of Morocco is the chairman of the Quds (Jerusalem) committee that was formed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to cater for the affairs of the occupied holy city.
Delegation to the Vatican to Discuss Agreement with Israel
President Mahmoud Abbas instructed a ranking Palestinian delegation to travel to the Vatican to discuss reports about a projected Vatican-Israeli agreement that may also include Catholic Church property in occupied East Jerusalem, according to a statement issued Saturday by Abbas’ office.
Senior Palestinian officials met with the Apostolic delegate in Jerusalem to discuss this issue and it was decided after the meeting that a ranking delegation, headed by the prime minister, the foreign minister and chief negotiator in the PLO, along with other senior officials, will travel to the Vatican to get clarification about the projected agreement.
The purpose of the visit “is to make sure that the position of the Vatican was and remains supportive of the inalienable Palestinian rights, particularly that which has to do with the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to confirm assurances by the Apostolic delegate that the agreement, which will be signed with Israel, will not include Catholic Church property or any affiliate organization in East Jerusalem,” said the statement.
Senior Palestinian officials met with the Apostolic delegate in Jerusalem to discuss this issue and it was decided after the meeting that a ranking delegation, headed by the prime minister, the foreign minister and chief negotiator in the PLO, along with other senior officials, will travel to the Vatican to get clarification about the projected agreement.
The purpose of the visit “is to make sure that the position of the Vatican was and remains supportive of the inalienable Palestinian rights, particularly that which has to do with the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to confirm assurances by the Apostolic delegate that the agreement, which will be signed with Israel, will not include Catholic Church property or any affiliate organization in East Jerusalem,” said the statement.