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Antisemitism and Violence
The topic antisemitism and the need for Christians of all denominations to heed the Biblical command to comfort Israel (Isaiah 40:1) is in need of being discussed within all the Patriarchates all the way down to the parish level. We gravely condemn both so-called “Christian” and Muslim violence of any form. We do not believe that there is any difference between an anti-Semitic person calling themselves a “Christian” and a Muslim who terrorizes Israel, the United States or any other country. There is no difference!
Muslim violence is a major threat to world peace in any land and it has to be eliminated by those governments in power to do so. A harsh reality to face is the fact that the Christian church as a whole has not done its part in educating their own people about coming to an understanding of various cultures, other denominations, races, or other religions.
Unfortunately antisemitism is being bred right from the very pulpits that preach that Messiah came to save all peoples. Arrogance, hatred, and any type of unfounded intolerance of other races, minorities or whole nations has absolutely no place in the Body of Messiah and when evidences of such activities or even certain terms and phrases are seen or heard within any denomination or body it absolutely must be removed immediately.
What we are witnessing in Iraq and other areas ravaged by the likes of al-Qaeda and other similar terrorist groups is very similar to what was witnessed in the early 1900’s during the “Great War” where our beloved +Mar Shimun was assassinated senselessly and where our Assyrian Christian brothers and sisters suffered appalling holocausts. Such activities bring back painful memories for our Semitic and Assyrian brothers and sisters in the faith.
I seriously urge all Bishoprics within the canonical territory of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to set stricter guiding principles on dealing with antisemitism and intolerance of other cultures. Special committees need to be established to combat intolerance, racism, and antisemitism not only from within the Assembly but also in the parish neighborhoods as well. Education and social action can assist in making our society tolerable for all human beings and our actions can serve as a demonstration of our Holy Faith based on the Scriptures.
27 April 2004
Terrorist attacks in Spain
Early reports indicate that more than 150 people have been killed by terrorists in Madrid, Spain. Our prayers are with all those left behind, as well as special prayers for those who passed in this senseless act of violence.
A vigil will be held in their honour at the chapel in Galilee.
— 17 March 2004
Deadly plane crash Red Sea
We are saddened to hear of the deaths of around 150 passengers in an Egyptian plane that crashed into the Red Sea on 3 January. Our prayers are with the dead and those left behind.
— 7 January 2004
Restaurant in Haifa bombed by terrorist
On 4 October a suicide bomber entered a restaurant in Haifa, Israel murdering more than twenty people, including small children.
Our prayers are with all those who have suffered from this senseless violence.
— 6 October 2003
Another terrorist attack in Jerusalem
The Patriarchate strongly condemns the recent suicide bombing in Jerusalem. On 19 August a terrorist group bombed a public bus killing twenty-four people and injuring more than one-hundred.
We mourn the loss of innocent lives and express our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. Such acts of violence only perpetuate suffering and hinder the pursuit of peace and justice in the region. We call for an immediate end to all forms of terrorism and urge all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and peaceful negotiations to address the underlying issues and conflicts. It is our sincere hope that a lasting and just resolution can be achieved through non-violent means, ensuring a safer and more secure future for all the people of the Holy Land and the entire region.
— 22 August 2003
Massive earthquake strikes Algeria
A massive earthquake has struck in Algeria, Africa. An official told a representative of the Patriarchate that while the death toll is not known, the numbers could be in the thousands.
We ask members of the Church to keep this matter in their prayers.
{Update: Over 2,000 people died as a result of the earthquake.}
— 23 May 2003
Call for prayer after earthquake strikes China
We are calling on the Church to keep the people of China in their prayers after a strong earthquake struck Xinjiang. The exact number of deaths is not known at this time.
— 27 February 2003
Terrorist murder more than 20 people in Tel Aviv
We regret to report on the deaths of more than 20 people in a terrorist bomb attack on a bus in Tel Aviv. One of our own members was severely injured. The attack was brought on by Palestinian terrorists.
We ask the Church to keep those who were affected, those who died, their family and friends in your prayers.
— 7 January 2003
Prayers requested for earthquake victims in Iran
We ask that members of the Church pray for those who recently lost the lives in an earthquake that struck the Qazvin Province. Members in Tehran have informed us that nearly 400 people have died and that the destruction will take many years to clean up.
None of the members in Iran were affected by the earthquake.
— 29 June 2002
Prayers after earthquake strikes Afghanistan
The Patriarchate is asking all members of the church to keep the people of Afghanistan in their prayers after an earthquake has caused the deaths of hundreds of people. There are members of the Church in this country and we are currently unaware if they were affected.
— 27 March 2002
