Holy Land: President of Israel visits vandalised monastery

Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The President of Israel, Mr Isaac Herzog with his wife, and a delegation, visited the Monastery of Stella Maris in Haifa on Wednesday.

The monastery is one of several church properties recently vandalised by radical Jewish groups. Many members of the Christian community in Haifa took to the streets last week to protest the recent invasion of Christian Holy Sites.

His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Carmelites of Haifa, together with Patriarch Theophilos, Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, as well as the Bishops and Heads of the Churches welcomed the delegation. They expressed their hope that the visit will lead to the establishment of a closer framework of peace, understanding and coexistence.

In a statement the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said: "In consequence, Patriarchs and Heads of Churches have been meeting with the Israeli police of Jerusalem to ensure the taking of necessary measures to prevent such further incidents.

"Joined together with our youth, we will continue to seek the protection of the Holy Sites at all levels. We ask everyone to pray for peace in our country, and to foster a culture of dialogue, and peaceful coexistence with all."