News, articles and documents from the Holy Land

 

“Peace will be the fruit of Justice and my people will dwell in the beauty of Peace” (Is. 32:18)

Issue No. 95 - Tuesday, 28 August 2001

Dear Friends, Brothers and Sisters,

 

While we ended our campaign of prayer for peace in Notre Dame Center, we still face an escalation of violence in our country, and maybe to worst since the beginning of the present Intifada with the last days assassination of a Signor Leader of the Palestinian People Abu Ali Mustafa and yesterday’s re-occupation of Beit Jala and other parts of liberated Palestinian areas in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala. You will find some more details in the letter, written this morning, from Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem telling of Israel's attack on Beit Jala and the impact on Palestinian life in Bethlehem.

 

I have already sent you the press release of Bishop Munib Younan from the Lutheran Church about the occupation of his Church and Orphanage in Beit Jala. I would like to tell you that it is always occupied and used a military position until now even if they promised to evacuate it after pressure, but we here repeat our official position that they have to withdraw from all Beit Jala as soon as possible because this kind of aggression against civilians is an aggressive provocation which will not assure security for anybody and will not bring about calm in the region.

 

It seems that we don’t need only to continue to pray for peace but also we need to ask for a real miracle, and we need to pass from prayer to action also. Therefore, the heads of churches might hold a press conference tomorrow if the Israeli army will not withdraw immediately from Beit Jala, and they might also decide some further common initiatives and activities to draw the attention of the world on the dramatic situation in the whole country and especially in Bethlehem area.

 

You will find in today’s Olive Branch a lot of documents which will give you a clear idea about both the latest situation and the campaign of prayer for peace:

1)      A letter from Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem written by Pastor Mitri Al-Raheb.

2)      Resolution on Solidarity and Advocacy for Middle East Peace adopted by the Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Institutes, August 26, 2001 during their National Assembly, Baltimore, Maryland.

3)      Three documents from the campaign of prayer for peace: The first written by Daniel Rossing, a Jew who was a former director of the department of Christian Communities in the Ministry of religious affairs, who took part in the prayer service in the Church of Scotland and said a prayer for peace in English and Hebrew from the Jewish tradition. The second a prayer said by Rizek Abusharr a member of that same Church. The welcoming word by Fr. Aldo Tolotto, director of the Pontifical Institute of Notre Dame Center.

4)      ALL OF US HAVE A STAKE IN BRINGING ABOUT PEACE IN MIDEAST: A letter written by Archbishop John Vlazny to the Catholic people of Portland, which was published on July 13, 2001 in the local Catholic newspaper called the Catholic Sentinel.

5)      “Statement of Conviction” written by the Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron.

 

 I am sorry to tell you that you will find only bad news in today’s Olive Branch, but also a lot of hope and solidarity which will make out of the next days better than the last months, becacause we will never lose hope, since Jerusalem is not only the City of the Cross but also the City of the Resurrection which will come sooner or later. We hope that with your support and prayers.            Fr. Raed Abusahlia

 

 

A letter from Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem

Tuesday, August 28, 2001 8:17 AM


Dear Friends,

Late yesterday morning, word came about the assassination of Abu Ali Mustafa, the leader of the PFLP, an important Palestinian political party. Then during the night, the sounds of machine gunfire and tank shells filled the air around Bethlehem. At 2:00 am, calls came for people to come out of their houses to defend their country. The bells of the Church of the Nativity began to ring and verses from the Quran were chanted from the minarets.

After a long, sleepless night, the staff and volunteers of the International Center made their way to the office through the deserted streets of Bethlehem. As we gathered for our weekly staff meeting, everyone showed the signs of an endless and tiring night, with fatigue, despair and worry etched deeply in each face.

We shared a time of scripture and prayer, centering ourselves in the love of God that surpasses even our worst fears. We spent time connecting with one another, sharing the stories of how we had passed the night. As we talked, we decided we needed to send you, our friends, a letter. At a time when much of the international news both ignores the human side of the reality in which we are living, as well as perpetuating the dehumanization of the Palestinian people in general, we offer you a window into our reality by sharing just some of the ways in which these 'news events' impact our lives here at the Center. These are not unique stories; people across the West Bank and Gaza could write many more as well. Our hope, though, is that by listening to these voices, you will come to see the humanity behind the headlines and the political rhetoric.

Viola Raheb, director of the Evangelical Lutheran Schools in Palestine, shared with the staff, "We made the decision to open our Lutheran schools a week early this year. Our hope was to both 'win' some days in case of future turmoil and to give the students and teachers an opportunity to gather in a calm and comfortable environment. Yet, only midway through the first day came news of the assassination in Ramallah of Abu Ali Mustafa. We made the decision to send the children and staff home early and planned to close the schools on Tuesday, reopening on Wednesday. When making this decision, however, we had no idea that our lives would be turned upside down that night. At this moment, we're struggling with whether we can open the schools tomorrow. Many of our students and teachers live in areas that have been re-occupied and are now living under curfew, forbidden to leave their homes. The rest of them spent the whole of last night and most of this morning hiding from shooting. We begin yet another school year marred by the trauma of occupation."

News was also shared about the occupation of the Lutheran Church in Beit Jala, including the home for boys which is operated on the premises of the church. The Israeli military, at the time of this writing, have occupied both the church and Abraham House, where the children are living. No one, other than the staff living at the facility, have been allowed access to the church or House. There is currently not even any bread on the premises and all attempts to get food to the children are being denied. Our bishop has been in conversation already with numerous officials here and abroad to alert them to this new development. The Israeli news broadcast that the IDF would respect all holy places in Beit Jala. This belies their promise and must be harshly condemned and staff and food must be allowed to enter to church and school.

For our volunteers from Italy, Germany and the USA, it was an unbelievable night. For the newest arrivals, it was a shocking event, for the longer-term volunteers it was a night of despair and heartache. One of the most ironic notes came from one of our most recent arrivals, Marc Frings, a young German working with ICB for the next 13 months. Choosing to do civil service in place of his military service, he commented this morning, "I choose to do civil service to work for peace rather than to serve in the military. And, of all my friends who went to the military, I'm probably the only one who will actually see a war!"

Two of our co-workers were unable to come to the Center this morning. Shady, our communications officer, had to flee from his home in Beit Sahour in the middle of the night. His home is near Jabel Abu Ghneim, where the Israelis are currently building the new settlement of Har Homa, and is close to the firing line. Along with his wife and 2 ½ year old daughter, they moved to his sister-in-law's home in the old city area of Beit Sahour. Although sleeping was still not possible, it was at least safer for he and his family. Another friend of the Center called just as we began our staff meeting. Sousan, a young mother of two was crying on phone, "There are tanks going by and soldiers at our door, shooting. What should I do? I don't know what to do."

Pastor Mitri reported also that several families of the congregation had suffered damage to their homes during the night. One member who lives in Beit Jala had just left the kitchen when a bullet came through, shattering the glass behind her. She and her family, including her 4 children, are now living under curfew.

As we write this letter to you, shooting is still occurring in the region near Aida Refugee Camp, at the northern entrance to Bethlehem, and Israel is evidently still uncertain about how long their forces will stay in place.

We are in need of your solidarity in these days and we appreciate the ways in which many of you have already been expressing your concern and support. We urge you to continue to pray and advocate for a just peace and wisdom among leaders. Also, we invite you to visit our web page www.annadwa.org that we update regularly with new stories and reports.

Urgent action alerts are also posted there and give you concrete ways to direct your support.

We join you in prayer and action,
Dr. Nuha Khoury, Rev. Sandra Olewine and Ms. Viola Raheb, Staff members - ICB
Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb
General Director

 

Resolution on Solidarity and Advocacy for Middle East Peace

Adopted by the Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men’s Institutes

August 26, 2001

National Assembly, Baltimore, Maryland

Statement of Resolution

 

The Conference of Major Superiors of Men resolves to express its support of and solidarity for the people of the Holy Land at this time of crisis

 

 

 

Background and Rationale

 

Since September 28, 2000 there has been an escalation of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories resulting in the deaths of dozens of Israelis and hundreds of Palestinians, and many civilians injured. The Palestinian economy, dependent on work in Israel and the tourist industry, has been devastated by the unilateral closures of borders and the collapse of the tourist industry.  Many U.S. media reports on the current crisis are unbalanced and misleading placing blame unjustly on one side. Both Israelis and Palestinians express hopelessness and fear and are calling on the international community, especially religious communities, to assist them in finding solutions to the current crisis which will lead to a just and lasting peace.

 

For several years CMSM has been an active member of Churches for Middle East Peace, a Washington-based ecumenical coalition of churches that advocate for U.S. policy that promotes a just peace in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.  In December 2000, CMSM President Stephen Glodek, SM, was part of a high-level ecumenical delegation of church leaders to the Holy Land.  Some members of the delegation including Brother Glodek met with Secretary of State Colin Powell on June 7, 2001 to discuss U.S. policy in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  In June 2001 CMSM organized a delegation along with Catholic Relief Services that was the highest level Catholic delegation in two years to visit the Holy Land and have access to the West Bank and Gaza. It included the CMSM incoming president, vice-president, chair of the Justice and Peace Committee, and a number of Committee members.  The LCWR Director for Social Ministry, Mercy Sister Judy Cannon accompanied the delegation.

 

CMSM’s long involvement in the issue and the recent presence of Conference leadership and staff in the region has resulted in stronger relationships with the people there and a greater responsibility to speak out at this time against violence and occupation by increasing our advocacy and action in support of a just solution to the crisis.

 

The crisis in the Holy Land not only has political dimensions but spiritual as well.  The loss of hope and desperation has led many to believe violence is the only adequate response to the situation.  The religious leaders in the region have called upon the international religious community to work with them in promoting non-violence and programs of reconciliation that will help build bridges between the conflicting communities and serve as models for future conflict resolution.  CMSM, through the Shalom Strategy and our history of collaborating with diverse organizations around the world through our missionary institutes, can offer assistance to the church leaders who seek to promote reconciliation and peace-making.

 

CMSM has been consistent in its appreciation of the needs and desires of both the Palestinian people and the Israelis for a just peace that provides the security necessary for both people to live in mutual respect for the rights and aspirations of one another.

Call for Action

 

1.      CMSM supports the “Resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian Crisis” adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2001 that calls for an end to all violence and a return to peace negotiations.  In collaboration with the U.S. Bishops, Churches for Middle East Peace, the Maryknoll Office of Justice and Peace, and other partner organizations, we will advocate for a just peace that includes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMSM will use its corporate voice as an advocate for a just U.S. policy, maintaining contact with the appropriate American, Israeli and Palestinian officials.

 

1.      In light of Israel’s use of U.S.-supplied attack helicopters and fighter jets, CMSM calls on the United States to initiate an investigation and to halt the future transfer of any such military equipment, pending an investigation of their use against civilian targets.

 

2.      CMSM will continue its vigorous advocacy for the political and human rights of all Palestinians in the conflict. But at this time, when the decreasing Palestinian Christian community feels increasingly isolated, the national office will maintain even closer contact with partners in the Holy Land (the Latin Patriarch’s Office, Catholic Relief Services, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Rabbis for Human Rights, and other groups) in order to have access to the most credible and accurate information available and to be able to communicate that information to CMSM members and, when possible, to the appropriate U.S. government officials and the U.S. media, so that the voice and experience of these Palestinian Christians will be heard as well. Member institutes are encouraged to explore opportunities for solidarity with the Palestinian Christians through programs sponsored by the Latin Patriarch, CRS, and other development and service organizations to show solidarity to this minority in an already oppressed community. The Justice and Peace Office will provide resources as requested.

 

3.      CMSM has endorsed a National Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East.  Each member institute is invited to participate in these national vigils that set aside one day each month to pray for peace in the Holy Land.  The Justice and Peace Office will provide resources for institutes that want to participate in their ministries and in prayer in their own local religious communities.

 

The Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the 20,000 vowed religious priests and brothers of the United States, ten percent of whom are foreign missionaries. CMSM provides a voice for these communities in the U.S. church and society. CMSM also collaborates with the U.S. bishops and other key groups and organizations that serve church and society.

 

 

PRAYER FOR PEACE

By Danial Rossing

 

I have chosen a very short prayer for peace that has been adapted from a prayer for peace by a Hassidic master by the name of Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav who lived around the turn of the nineteenth century in the Ukraine. The short version of the prayer that I will recite in Hebrew and English was adapted for use in the Kol Hanishama Synagogue here in Jerusalem.

 

Rabbi Nachman was a very controversial figure in his day and his thought was extremely complex. There are, however, a few elements of his thought that I think might be relevant to the tragic and traumatic situation in which the peoples of this land find themselves today. Allow me to mention them very briefly before reciting the prayer.

 

The first concerns an idea that is common to many of the more mystical thinkers in Jewish tradition, namely the notion of the divine sparks dispersed throughout creation. Divinity is inherent in all things and all beings, even in the realm of evil.  Our task is to perceive, uncover and celebrate the sparks of divinity, above all the sparks of divinity in our neighbor. Our greatest challenge is to refrain from forever demonizing our enemies, and rather to perceive and embrace the sparks of divinity in the supposedly evil other.

 

The second, rather unique, feature of Rabbi Nachman's thinking that I wish to recall is the emphasis that he placed on confession. He made confession a permanent and prominent feature of the life of the Hassidic community gathered around him, to the point that his disciples became known as vidduiniks - 'those who confess". We are all in dire need today of true confession, for we have become obsessed with confessing the sins of the other, and especially of our declared enemies. Jews, Christians and Muslims.. ..Israelis and Palestinians need to confess, privately and publicly, individually and collectively, that we daily sinning against God by continuing to demonize and deny one another.

 

Finally, Rabbi Nahman had a very pessimistic view of the world, to the point of referring to human existence, as he knew it as gehinnom - Hell. He compared the human situation to that of a person suspended by a tread over a raging sea that seeks to swallow him. And yet, he absolutely rejected despair and emphasized the need to secure effective life rafts, the most important of which he believed was prayer. May the prayers for peace which you have been raising heavenwards in this series of ecumenical services, together with the prayers of all those who love peace and pursue justice, save us all from being pulled down to the abyss by the sea of hatred that surrounds us.

 

Prayer for Shalom

Source of Shalom ruler of Shalom grant Shalom to your people Yisral

let the Shalom spread to all Your creatures

let there be an end to hatred jealousy competition between people

let there be only great love and shalom between us all so that we can all gather together

everyone with their fellow spiking to each other learning the truth from each other

allah huma - antas salam wa-minkas salam

adon hashalom barchenu bashalom

Source of Shalom bless us with Shalom amen

(prayer based on teaching of R. Nahman of BratzIav)

 

LET US PRAY FOR PEACE IN THIS LAND AND IN THE WORLD

By Rizek Abusharr

 

God, who has revealed Thy purpose for mankind in Him who is the King of

Righteousness and Prince of Peace, INSPIRE the hearts of all men and women to follow after Justice. Hasten the time when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when men and women shall live at peace with themselves and with others; when revenge and counter revenge is abhorred by one and all so that, truly, no one will learn war any more.

 

Gracious Father, whose sun shines on all, whose voice calls us to walk with you in faith

and uprightness, give us GRACE, each in our place and station to serve you day by day.

 

Amid the dangers and snares of this life, protect our weakness with your never failing love, and make these days of prayers for peace in this Land a beacon of your never failing promises.

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

 

PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE PONTIFICAL INSTITUTE

NOTRE DAME OF JERUSALEM CENTER

Welcoming words by Fr. Aldo TOLOTTO

 

I would like to take this precious occasion of the gathering of the Brothers and Sisters of different Churches to welcome you to the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center, in the name of H. E. the Apostolic Nuncio Msgr. Pietro Sambi, and in my name as the Charge of the Holy See.

 

We welcome very specially all the representatives of the various Christian Churches here in Jerusalem.

 

It is natural, on this occasion, to express our joy saying with the psalm: "how good, how delightful it is to live as brothers and sisters all together”. How good it is to be gathered in the House of the Lord and in the dwelling of the Redeemer. Yes, Jesus is really present in the Eucharist; but He is also present within us, in an invisible way, according to what He said: where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18.20). Jesus is not only in this holy place, He is also in our hearts because we believe in Him and we love Him.

 

We are gathered here for the last time, this afternoon, to pray for peace, and we will do that with great faith and joy, because we trust God who said: "Ask and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7: 8) Yes, we must pray to the Lord with unlimited confidence because Jesus said: "In truth I tell you, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven”.

 

Then let us ask the Lord to grant true and lasting peace to the Holy Land. But we must remember that this kind of peace starts first from the very depth of our hearts by the reconciliation with God. Then that peace will be reflected around us, in our neighbors, by a reconciliation built on the commandment of love. And only then will we see realized that true and lasting peace between peoples and nations, and especially here in the Holy Land.

 

 

               ALL OF US HAVE A STAKE IN BRINGING ABOUT PEACE IN MIDEAST

by Archbishop John Vlazny

 

    During this past year many pilgrimages to the Holy Land were cancelled. Those who did travel to the land where Jesus lived did so with some concern and uncertainty about the welcome they would receive. Violence has again erupted in the Middle East and, sad to say, opportunities for peace were lost. So many Palestinians and Isrealis have lost their lives. These losses include many children and young people. Where will it end?

    When the United States bishops met in full assembly last month we issued an important statement on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. Nearly 21 years ago Pope John Paul II described the terms of this drama most memorably: "The Jewish people, after tragic experiences connected with the extermination of so many sons and daughters, driven by the desire for security, set up the State of Israel. At the same time the painful condition of the Palestinian people was created, a large part of whom are excluded from their land". Over the years the spirit of unity, mutual respect and understanding has been lacking. Time and again violence has plagued these good people. There is a need for genuine negotiations. The failure of such negotiations last summer and fall to achieve a lasting settlement does not deter us from moving forward in our quest for peace.

 

    What steps need to be taken if Israelis and Palestinians, all united by faith in one God, the faith inherited from Abraham, will ever achieve a just and lasting peace? There is nothing new here but it bears repeating: real security for the state of Israel, a viable state for Palestinians, just resolution of the refugee problem, an agreement on Jerusalem which protects religious freedom and other basic rights, an equitable sharing of resources, and implementation of relevant U.N. resolutions and other provisions of international law

    The Holy Father and the Holy See have been consistent over the years concerning the status of Jerusalem. Since many of you may not be familiar with the position of the Holy See on Jerusalem, I thought it worth siting here.

    First of all, territorial sovereignty is a bilateral question for Israelis and Palestinian authority to resolve equitably. There are U.N. resolutions which should govern these negotiations. The religious dimension in Jerusalem, especially the "Old City" involves the need to preserve its unique and sacred character, both the Holy Places and the living communities of faith. The Holy See for a long time has advocated a special statute, internationally guaranteed.

    The statute would secure 1)freedom of religion and conscience for all, 2) the juridical equality of the three monotheistic religions (Jewish, Muslim and Christian), 3 )respect for the identity and sacred character of the City, 4)protection of and freedom of access for all people to the Holy Places, and 

5) the regime of "status quo" in the Holy Places where it applies. This statute should be negotiated by the two parties in consultation with the three religious communities. Everything should finally be sanctioned by the United Nations.

 

    We Catholic bishops acknowledge that both sides have deep, long-standing and legitimate grievances. Everyone must recognize that Palestinians rightly insist on an end to Israel's three-decade-long  occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and to the continued establishment and expansion of settlements. Israel, on the other hand, has a fundamental right to security, but security will not be won by ongoing annexation of Palestinian land or excessive uses of force.

    It is also important that Israelis rightly see the failure of Palestinians to demonstrate full respect for Israel's right to exist and flourish with insecure borders as a fundamental cause of the conflict. Palestinian leaders need to renounce clearly violence and terrorist acts against innocent civilians, take effective steps to stop them and bring justice to those responsible.

    This is not a time for Christians to look the other way. The just claims of both peoples should enjoy our active support. Furthermore, our government and the entire national community must be actively engaged in helping bring about a just solution to this conflict.

 

    We Catholics also have a great concern about the toll all of this is taking on the Chrisatian communities in the Holy Land. The native-born Christian presence there is less than 2% of the total. It risks shrinking into insignificance as more and more Christian families, victims of violence and marginalization, immigrate abroad. It has been suggested that parishes here in the United States might well extend an invitation to partnership with Catholic parishes in the Holy Land as a way to encourage the Christian presence there.

    As citizens of this great nation, what can you and I do to help the peace process in the Holy Land? In our statement last month, we bishops offered three practical actions. 1) Press our own government to play an active and constructive role in the search for a just peace. 2) Reach out in dialogue and joint action with Jews, Muslims and other Christians in our communities. 3) Support generously the urgent relief and development of Catholic Relief Services and other organizations who provide humanitarian aid for the occupied territories.

 

    This summer, as we enjoy the good life here in the Northwest, I invite you to join me in prayer, fasting and good works to assist our Jewish, Muslim and Christian sisters and brothers in the Holy Land to secure justice and peace at last.

 

CPT Hebron Statement of Conviction

August 24, 2001


In 1995, members of the Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron wrote a statement that detailing what they would like to have happen should they be injured or killed in the course of their work. Throughout the Hebron project's existence, the team has chosen to reiterate this statement on occasions of threats or acts of violence against them. Since verbal and physical threats by settlers against the team have increased dramatically in the last several weeks and since the CPT women's apartment has twice been hit by bullets fired from the roof of the Avraham Avinu settlement, we are issuing it again at this time. We reject all forms of violence, regardless of the perpetrator's identity or motivation. If injury or death of team members occurs, it will be the result of policies that promote contempt for human rights and human dignity. We continue to operate under the firm conviction that God's redemptive power is at work in this place.

Statement of Conviction

We would like our wishes, as stated below, to be respected in the event a crisis occurs, such as injury or death: We reject the use of force to save our lives should we be caught in the middle of a conflict situation or taken hostage. In the event that we die as a result of some violent action, we reject the use of violence to punish the people who killed us. Should our deaths come as a result of attacks by soldiers, settlers or other extremists/militants in Hebron, we ask that our deaths be regarded as no more tragic than the murders of dozens of Palestinians who have died here in the last decade. We ask that all legal nonviolent means be taken to ensure that these deaths do not continue.

 

Should our lives be threatened or we are harmed, we ask that the perpetrators be held accountable. We think it is possible that a collaborator or unstable individual could be encouraged to harm us, and ask that this possibility be investigated in the event of our death. We also ask that the people who care about us look into the root causes of violence found amongst oppressed peoples struggling for liberation.

 

All of us who are part of Christian Peacemaker Teams recognize there are certain risks inherent in this work. We believe that until people committed to nonviolence are willing to take the same risks for peace that soldiers are willing to take for war, people will always choose violence as the most viable solution to their problems. If more blood is shed on our account, then our deaths will indeed be in vain. If our deaths promote the sort of soul-searching that leads to a rejection of armed conflict characteristic of this occupation then our deaths will indeed have redemptive value.

 

Following a central tenet of our faith, we do not hate the people who have harmed us (Matthew 5:44-45). We believe that those best able to love their enemies will ultimately emerge the victors in this bloody conflict.

LeAnne Clausen ; Kathleen Kern

Dianne Roe ; Rick Polhamus ; Greg Rollins

 

 

Important note to our dear readers

We really hope that you enjoy what we try to send you and find it useful, and if you need any further information, please feel free to contact us: nonviolence@writeme.com 

* But, you have to take in consideration that this newsletter is not an official newsletter of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem;

* Only the documents signed by the Patriarch himself, express an official position, but all the other news, articles and documents express the personal opinion of their authors;

* I remain the only responsible of the presentation and the editorials of this newsletter, which is wanted to be a simple instrument of information without any pretension;

* We don’t side with anybody, we only side with the truth, and strive for human rights, justice, peace and reconciliation for everybody as usual.

Thank you for your understanding & Best wishes from Jerusalem        Fr. Raed Abusahlia