Taybeh – Sanad Sahelia / Nabd El-Haya – Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont, director of the French organization L’Œuvre d’Orient, emphasized that Christians in the Holy Land are not forgotten. He stressed that France and its Church closely monitor the attacks and challenges they face, conveying these concerns to the relevant authorities. He described the continued presence of Christians in their land as a vital testimony to the world, affirming the commitment of the French Church to provide spiritual, moral, and material support, standing alongside them through prayer, friendship, and practical assistance.
The statements came during a solidarity visit by a delegation from the organization to the town of Taybeh, east of Ramallah, reflecting the ongoing concern of the French Church and society for the situation of Christians in the Holy Land. The delegation included Monsignor Hugues de Woillemont, director of L’Œuvre d’Orient, accompanied by Jean-Yves Tolot, president of the association, Father Christophe Le Sourt, secretary-general of the French Bishops’ Conference, Marie-Caroline and Pierre Lecaulle, country managers for the Holy Land office, and journalist Jean-Charles Putzolu from Vatican News.
Father Fawadleh Highlights the Reality of Christians
The delegation was warmly received by Father Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Christ the Redeemer Latin Church in Taybeh, who provided a detailed overview of the reality of Christians in Palestine. He highlighted the existential challenges they face in daily life, particularly amid unstable political conditions, tense security situations, and economic hardships burdening the community.
Father Fawadleh also drew attention to the repeated attacks on Taybeh and neighboring villages by settlers, noting that these incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern across the West Bank. He underscored the direct impact on residents’ daily lives, their stability, and their steadfastness on their land, as well as the effect on the future of Christian presence and their ability to preserve their identity and heritage.
Visits to Religious and Cultural Sites
The delegation visited several key ecclesiastical and heritage sites in Taybeh. They toured the Greek Orthodox Church, where Father Dawood Khoury, the parish priest, introduced them to the church’s history and spiritual and national significance. They also visited the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, welcomed by Father Jacques-Noble Abed, who briefed them on the church’s history and role in Taybeh, as well as the historic Church of Al-Khader.
As part of their cultural and media engagement, the delegation visited the Nabd Al-Haya platform and radio station, where they were received by executive director Sanad Sahelia and his team. The delegation was briefed on the platform’s programs and its role in highlighting the importance of preserving and strengthening the authentic Christian presence in Palestine, giving a voice to the Christian community locally and internationally. The tour also included a visit to the House of Proverbs within the Latin Church complex.
The delegation then visited Ephraim Senior Home, affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, where Marco Basir, the director, presented the facilities and the social and humanitarian services provided to the elderly.
A Message of Solidarity for Christians in Taybeh
Monsignor Woillemont presided over the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Redeemer Latin Church, attended by Father Fawadleh, Father Christophe Le Sourt, the religious sisters serving in the town, and the parish community.
In his sermon, Monsignor de Woillemont said that his first visit to the Holy Land as the new director of L’Œuvre d’Orient was an opportunity to celebrate Christmas in Jerusalem, Taybeh, and Bethlehem, and to deeply understand the local reality. “I want to tell you clearly that France, and the Church of France, do not forget you,” he affirmed, noting that the organization has monitored the attacks faced by residents and conveyed these issues to the relevant French authorities.
He emphasized that the Christian presence in the Holy Land is a crucial testimony, not only for its inhabitants but for the world at large. He added that the French Church has decided to strengthen its support for Christians in the Holy Land through prayer, friendship, and financial assistance. He also announced an invitation extended to the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to visit France next June, noting that his voice will be important for the French Church and public opinion.
Father Bashar Fawadleh welcomed the delegation, describing the visit as carrying profound spiritual and human significance. He said it represents a message of peace and consolation for the people of Taybeh amid their ongoing hardships, reminding the community that they are not alone but part of a single ecclesiastical body that suffers and hopes together. He also expressed gratitude to L’Œuvre d’Orient and all its staff for their ongoing support.
This visit reaffirms the historic partnership between Taybeh and L’Œuvre d’Orient, reinforcing efforts to preserve the authentic Christian presence in Palestine and support the resilience of its people on their land.