Cry for prayer from beleaguered Christian community in the Holy Land

Ransacked Christian home

Zababdeh is a small town in the Occupied West Bank. At the 2007 census, there were 3,665 residents, of which roughly two-thirds are Christians, divided into Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic and Anglican communities. The city also has a Muslim minority. Both communities live without conflicts. But recently they have been terrorised by illegal Israeli settlers who have surrounded the town and are stealing land and property.

On July 5, the Melkite Catholic parish priest, Fr Firas Khoury wrote to ICN expressing his concern that a new Israeli settlement had suddenly been established next to Zababdeh. He said: "This is the first settlement ever built right next to our town. The other settlements and military camps are about a ten-minute drive away, but this new settlement borders Zababdeh itself. All of the surrounding agricultural land has been seized. The checkpoints remain closed, and the situation is even worse than before."

"Yet despite everything, we are determined to keep hope alive. This is the time to encourage people around the world to strengthen their efforts alongside us, especially for our area, because it is a forgotten region.

How do we keep hope alive? What does God think about all of this? He weeps. Please, keep hope alive with us."

The on Saturday 11 July, Fr Khoury wrote: "Today, since the early hours of the morning, Israeli soldiers entered several homes of local families in Zababdeh. They searched homes and left some families frightened and distressed. These events have deeply affected our community, especially because many people here already live with uncertainty and fear about the future.

"According to the testimonies of some families, there were also concerns regarding personal belongings and money inside one of the homes. We share these experiences because they reveal the anxiety and vulnerability that families are facing during these difficult days."

Fr Khoury wrote: "Yet, even in the midst of pain, we choose hope. The Living Stones are called to remain faithful-to serve, to pray, and to build peace. We believe that Christ's light continues to shine even in moments of darkness.

"Zababdeh is one of the remaining Christian communities in the Holy Land, a place where the Christian presence has continued for generations. We carry a precious mission: to remain a living witness of Christ's love, peace, and hope in the land where our faith was born.

"The Lord tells us: 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10)

"Please share with your friends the story of our community and ask them to pray for Zababdeh, for our families, and for all Christians who seek to remain faithful witnesses in their homeland."