Ireland: Dalgan concert raises funds for Palestinian Christians

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

A concert by the Navan, Trim and Dunshaughlin branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for the residents of Dalgan's nursing home for Columban Missionaries raised €2,331 for the historic Christian community of Taybeh in the West Bank.

The collection was facilitated by the Christians4Palestine initiative.

Columban Missionaries, Fr Oliver McCrossan and Fr Pat Colgan, who is a member of Christians4Palestine, were among the musicians who played in the concert. Fr Pat is also a member of the group 'Priests Against Genocide'.

The concert highlighted the work of a new initiative called the Palestine-Ireland Ecumenical Twinning Alliance (PIETA) which is bringing together Churches, faith communities, solidarity groups and individuals across Ireland in partnership with Christian communities in Palestine.

The initial partnership is focused on relationships with churches in Taybeh and Bethlehem.

Taybeh is a small town located near Ramallah in the West Bank. It is widely recognised as the only entirely Christian Palestinian town remaining in the West Bank and it holds great significance for Christians around the world.

The town is traditionally associated with the biblical village of Ephraim, where Jesus withdrew before the events leading to His crucifixion.

The aim of PIETA is to build long-term relationships rooted in friendship, mutual respect, learning and faith.

Parish twinning and community partnerships, according to PIETA, helps people in Ireland to connect directly with Palestinian Christians, and to learn about their lived experiences and to support projects helping local Palestinian communities.

The Twinning Alliance's pilot partnership is focused on churches where strong relationships have already been established, including Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Taybeh which is led by Fr Bashar Fawadleh.

Taybeh's churches, schools and community organisations work together to strengthen local life by: supporting families; providing quality education; developing youth programmes; preserving cultural heritage; providing health care; and creating opportunities for future generations.

The local Catholic school serves children from the wider region and welcomes pupils from different faith backgrounds, reflecting the spirit of service that characterises the community.

The aim of the projects is to ensure survival but also to provide long-term stability through funding.

Organisations directly involved in the Twinning Alliance here in Ireland include: Christians4Palestine, Gaels Against Genocide, Belfast Jesuit Centre, Priests Against Genocide, Bangor Peace Movement, and others, as well as individuals from Quaker, Presbyterian, Church of Ireland faith communities.