Calling for Peace in the Holy Land: Representatives of Christian Churches Voice Their Appeal from Taybeh
In the troubled landscape of the Holy Land, the small Palestinian village of Taybeh, meaning "good" in Arabic, has been under relentless attack for weeks. The village, home to approximately 1,500 residents belonging to various Christian denominations, has become a target for extremist Israeli settlers, who have been engaging in arson, desecration of graves, and attempts to seize homes and lands[1][3][4].
The eastern part of Taybeh, which constitutes over half the village's territory and is crucial for agriculture, has been turned into an open battleground. The settlers, often protected by the military, have set multiple fires, threatening both property and the olive trees, a vital source of income for the villagers[2].
The residents of Taybeh, feeling helpless and abandoned, have repeatedly reached out to the Israeli government for protection, but to no avail. They report that Israeli soldiers typically protect the settlers, leaving the community vulnerable to ongoing violence and harassment[2].
In a historic move, an unprecedented delegation of patriarchs and heads of many Christian churches worldwide, along with ambassadors and consuls, visited Taybeh on July 14 to express solidarity with the embattled village. These religious leaders made a public statement affirming the community's ancient Christian roots and condemning the violence. They called on Israeli authorities to hold the settlers accountable and cease enabling their expansion and violent acts[1][2][4].
This show of ecumenical support was a powerful statement, as the leaders marched together in Taybeh, standing visibly with the village against the intimidating message that "there is no future for you here." The situation remains urgent and fragile, with calls for immediate international intervention to protect the Christian residents and their heritage in Taybeh[1][2].
The violence has not been limited to Taybeh. Other strategic buildings, including Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, have sustained significant structural damage due to missile attacks. The hospitals of Gaza continue to suffer from targeted attacks, causing despair and new needs. Even the churches and monastery of St. Anthony in Jaffa have suffered damage from a rocket[5].
As the conflict continues to escalate, the future of Taybeh hangs in the balance. The village, once a beacon of peace and coexistence, now finds itself on the frontlines of a bitter struggle. The world watches as the residents of Taybeh, and their ancient Christian heritage, face an uncertain future.
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2025, July 15). Christian leaders visit embattled West Bank village of Taybeh. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/15/christian-leaders-visit-embattled-west-bank-village-of-taybeh [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 16). Christian village in West Bank under attack from Jewish settlers. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/16/christian-village-in-west-bank-under-attack-from-jewish-settlers [3] Middle East Eye. (2025, July 16). Taybeh: the last Christian village in the West Bank under attack. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/taybeh-last-christian-village-west-bank-under-attack [4] BBC News. (2025, July 17). Christian leaders visit West Bank village under attack. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-59903118 [5] Reuters. (2025, July 18). Damage to Jaffa church adds to concerns over Christian presence in Israel. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/damage-jaffa-church-adds-concerns-over-christian-presence-israel-2025-07-18/
- Amidst the global landscape of health and wellness, the escalating violence against the small Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh highlights a dire need for intervention, not just for its medical-conditions, but for its general-news significance.
- As the discipline of science continues to evolve, experts might explore the impact of war-and-conflicts on the health and well-being of communities, such as the experiences of the embattled residents of Taybeh.
- In the political arena, international leaders are increasingly called upon to address the ongoing conflicts and concerns regarding crime-and-justice in the Holy Land, particularly in the context of protecting vulnerable communities like Taybeh.
- While the troubled landscape of war-and-conflicts, extremist groups, and crime-and-justice issues often dominate the headlines, the vibrant and historic Christian community of Taybeh, with its deep roots and commitment to peace, represents a contrasting perspective of health-and-wellness and coexistence in the Middle East.
