Lebanon: Charity condemns destruction of crucifix by Israeli soldier

IDF soldier hitting crucifix with hammer (from social media by Younis Tirawi)

A Catholic charity has condemned an attack on a crucifix after images went viral showing an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon smashing the religious symbol.

According to statements issued today and yesterday (19th and 20th April) by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the images are authentic and show an IDF soldier who was deployed in Lebanon.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has expressed "deep sorrow at the desecration of a sacred Christian symbol and firmly condemns this act".

In the statement ACN also "also expresses its full solidarity with the local Christian community in Lebanon, which has already endured years of insecurity and instability."

Father Fadi Felfle, parish priest in Debel, told Reuters that the cross was part of a shrine situated in a family's garden on the edge of the village.

Many Debel residents have remained despite IDF manoeuvres against Hezbollah, which began on began on 2nd March following Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran.

Father Felfle said: "One of the Israeli soldiers broke the cross and did this horrible thing, this desecration of our holy symbols."

According to the IDF, the military views the incident with great seriousness and the soldier's actions are inconsistent with the values and conduct expected of its troops. They indicated IDF soldiers will assist the local Christian community in restoring the damaged statue.

While no further official details have been released regarding disciplinary measures, the matter is under investigation - a move which was welcomed by ACN.

"ACN takes note that an investigation has been initiated and that steps toward accountability and restoration have been announced."

On X (Twitter), Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted: "As the Jewish state, Israel cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshippers of all faiths….like the overwhelming majority of Israelis. I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms."

ACN said: "Respect for religious symbols and places of worship is a fundamental principle, even - and especially - in times of conflict. No circumstance can justify acts that wound the religious dignity of communities or show contempt for what is sacred to them.

"Faithful to its mission, ACN stands alongside Christians who suffer, offering spiritual closeness and concrete support wherever faith, dignity and religious freedom are at risk.

"Aid to the Church in Need invites all to pray for the Christian communities in Lebanon and throughout the region and renews its call for the protection of religious freedom and respect for what is sacred in every tradition."

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: https://acnuk.org