A group of Muslim extremists set fire to the Christmas tree of the parish of the Most Holy Redeemer, located in Jenin, in the West Bank, in a new episode of harassment against the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The attack has been condemned by Mons. Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine.
The attack took place in the early hours of Monday the 22nd and was publicly reported by the parish itself through its official accounts on Instagram and Facebook, where images of the charred tree were shared. «This is an act that must be condemned, because it does not help and it is not the first time», declared the nuncio.
Condemnation from the Christian community
The aggression provoked an immediate reaction of rejection from the local Christian community. According to Vatican News, for the afternoon of this Tuesday, the visit of the Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Mons. William Shomali, was scheduled, with the aim of inaugurating a new Christmas tree together with the local authorities.
The gesture seeks to publicly reaffirm the Christian presence in the area and respond to the attack with a visible sign of faith and hope.
“These acts do not favor coexistence”
During a subsequent visit to Ramallah, Mons. Yllana insisted that this type of aggression «does not favor coexistence» and emphasized that they should not be attributed to entire communities, but to specific individuals. «Those who commit these acts do not help», he affirmed.
The nuncio also recalled the daily difficulties faced by Christians in the West Bank, where their religious and social activities are frequently restricted.
Maintaining hope amid the conflict
Mons. Yllana pointed out that, despite the consequences of the war in Gaza—which have also been felt in the West Bank—, the Christian community has not lost hope. «The tree wants to announce that it is our feast and that we want to celebrate it. We cannot stop», he explained, emphasizing the symbolic value of keeping the signs of Christian faith visible.
«Hope is not just a word; here it is life and breath, every day. Because we have not given up», he added, encouraging the faithful to welcome the Child Jesus to be transformed and give public witness to a faith that «welcomes everyone».
Call for reconciliation and peace
In that same context, the apostolic nuncio invited to follow the call of Pope Leo XIV to work for a peace «disarmed and disarming», making space for reconciliation, even with those who act with hostility, as all are children of the same Father.
The parish’s response
For his part, the parish priest of the Most Holy Redeemer, Fr. Amer Jubran, strongly condemned the attack in a Facebook post. He assured that it is an isolated incident that represents neither Palestinian culture nor the local Christian tradition.
Likewise, he exhorted the population to continue being a living model of fraternity, love, and coexistence, rooted in the values of mutual respect.
Source: Aciprensa