Christmas joy eases fear for future in West Bank Christian village

By Jean-Charles Putzolu *  

A few days before Christmas, Israeli authorities announced the creation of 19 new colonies in the West Bank. A measure introduced by the Israeli government to prevent “the establishment of a Palestinian terrorist state”.

In a context of growing colonisation following the October 7 Hamas attacks near the Gaza Strip, 69 colonies have been established in the last three years in the West Bank.

It is in this climate of tension that Palestinian Christians are getting ready to celebrate Christmas.

In Taybeh, the only entirely Christian village in the West Bank, settler attacks are common.

Over the past few weeks, five cars have been set on fire, according to Father Bashar Fawadleh, Latin priest of the village.

Last June, a massive fire ravaged farmland, blackening the perimeter walls of the ruins of an ancient Melkite Greek church not far from residential blocks.

Locals spoke out against a sort of impunity for the author of these acts and pointed out the delay in the Israeli army's response, which is responsible for security.

The old Melkite Greek church in Taybeh

A tried and tested method

With each new settlement establishment, West bankers face the same situation all over again: burnt lands, the arrival of herds of cows or sheep, the first caravans and bungalows, a clearly visible Israeli flag and then the first constructions.

Here’s how, over the space of a few months, new settlements were built, often atop the hills, before spreading into Palestinian territory.

In Taybeh, Christian leaders decided not to respond with violence to acts of intimidation.

“We will resist peacefully”, said Jack Nobel, priest of Taybeh’s Melkite Greek church parish.

So far, none of the villagers have been killed or injured. In the mainly Muslim neighbouring villages, violent actions have caused casualties.

Everybody fears that something tragic might happen in Taybeh as well.

The village’s Catholic and Orthodox officials strive to teach not to use violence in their schools.

Taybeh village

Christmas stronger than fear

Despite this backdrop, the joyful expectation of Christmas prevails. During last Sunday’s Mass, the priest of the Latin parish of Taybeh received a small French delegation.

Bishop Hughues de Woillemont, director of The Ouvre d’Orient, Jean Yves Tolot, president of the same organisation and Father Christophe Le Sourt, general secretary of France’s episcopal conference, gave their support to Taybeh Christians and celebrated with them the Nativity of the Lord.

Along with other associations, The Œuvre d’Orient provides funding to projects aiming at the sustainment of local Christian communities.

Due to the lack of work and future prospects, the fear of Christians leaving town is a significant issue.

In the past two years, 15 families left Taybeh in search of a better life abroad, Father Fawadeh clarified. Another Melkite family will leave the village before the end of the year.

Gradually, this Palestinian community of 1400 residents is shrinking.

Last Sunday morning, about a hundred people took part in the Eucharist in the village’s Latin church.

A crib sits at the foot of the altar, on the windows, light garlands invite the faithful to take in the joy of the moment and to forget, at Christmas time, threats to the future of Christians in the lands of Christ.

 * Special correspondent in the West Bank

Last Sunday's Mass in Taybeh