What are you doing to help the Melkite Greek Catholics suffering in Palestine?

[Sepharad]

I am so glad to meet you Sepharad!

In my internet research, I have come across (I don’t recall the name now, I have it at home) a group of Hasidic (is that spelled right?) Jews who practice their faith and are against what has been done to the Palestinians. I was shocked to find out on their website that the very first martyr to the Zionists was himself a Jewish Palestinian. Then I later saw on You Tube that in New York this Jewish organization had a demonstration and Zionists were spitting on the Jews who were against the persecutions of the Palestinians.

The way I see it, this is not a religious issue, but an issue with the Israeli government/military. I venture to think that once people know what is going on, they too would be against it.

I have also heard that some of the Israeli military refuse to go into occupied territory, because they themselves are against what is going on.

Hey, do you know of any group which is of mixed religious background which are helping the Palestinians? A mix of Jewish, Islamic and Christian people? If there isn’t one already out there, let’s start one!

Bless you!
Christy

P.S. My boss’s wife is Jewish and a real sweetheart! but she for what Israel is doing to the Palestinians; however, I don’t think she really knows what’s going on. Her grandmother took her mother (about age 8) from Nazi Germany and escaped on a Banana boat and settled in Guatemala until they were able to come to the U.S. When Israel was later created, the family had no interest in moving there.

Hi Christy!

I think this is the group you’re referring to; I’m a financial supporter of theirs, and know a lot of them so if you have any questions, feel free to ask: jewsagainstzionism.com

As for a group that is working on humanitarian levels to help bring peace to the Middle East, you can try this website: shalomctr.org though I have to let you know they tend to be leftist politically, however they are spiritual and ecumenical also.

You might also be interested in the book, “Tent of Abraham” which features interviews with Jewish, Catholic and Muslim religious leaders who are working for a just solution to the Mideast situation.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I feel the hatred coming from you. I pray for you. I pray for PEACE in your heart and for PEACE in the hearts of all Israeli’s and for PEACE in the Middle East.
May God richly bless you!

No hatred at all. You invented that because I challenged your bias and you took it as hatred. I just don’t like to see people unjustly vilified. I do note that you did not pray for peace in the hearts of Hamas and Fatah. Only me and the Israelis.

As to the money, I agree it was a soft touch. Here’s you:

“I would suggest sending a letter to Catholic Archbishop of Galilee Abuna (Father) Elias Chacour a letter and ask him where to send a contribution.”

I did not say you asked to have money sent to you, yourself. I only suggested that people here might be wise to donate to Middle Eastern charities approved by their respective bishops, not at the direction of someone on a blog.

You again:
“This statement shows that you have not done any research in this matter or you would know that the statistics show that substanially more Palestinian Children die from gunshot wounds to the head by Israeli soldiers that Israeli adults & children are ever killed by a Palestinian terrorist.”

The burden is on you, not me, to prove this from a credible source, with real numbers and verification. Please do so.

Actually, I have done a modest amount of research on this subject, though surely I could and should do more. Would you like me to start listing for you the murders perpetrated on Israelis by Palestinians? I’ll give you fair warning, it will tie up this thread for a very long time.

How about this, just to make it shorter? You cite one murder of Palestinian non-combatant civilians perpetrated by israelis, and I’ll then cite one murder of Israeli non-combatant civilians perpetrated by Palestinian extremists. Then you, then me, and so on. No generalities. Actual events, with dates and places and the number killed, how and by whom. I am reasonably confident that you will run out before I do. Do you want to start, or do you want me to start?

And may God richly bless you too, Christy. I am not your enemy. I’m not even an Israeli. I am only a person who was initially told how things really are over there by Palestinians. I then did a little research and came to firmly believe they were right. I simply would like (if I can) to get you to see (if you will) that this is not some wanton aggression by Israelis over there. Certainly, Israelis have gotten excessive at times. I never said they didn’t. They, themselves, would and have, admitted it. But they do not, as Hamas and Fatah and Al Quada (now allied with Hamas in Gaza) do, set out to murder non-combatants. It’s a war that could be ended, and very nearly was at one point in time. If want to know that story, I could tell it to you.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Perhaps my question should have been: What are you doing to bring an end to the terrorism against Palestian Christians and what are you doing to sew the seeds of peace?

There is absolutely nothing I can personally do to bring peace to the Middle East. I do, however, have friends who have some ability to do that and work on it. But it’s dangerous for them even though they are Palestinian Muslims themselves, with a powerful and respected tribe behind them.

I believe them when they tell me the West Bank and Gaza resemble nothing so much as the “Gangs of New York”, financed by Iran and Syria on one side (Hamas) and Wahabi wealth on the other (Fatah) Both, strange to tell, have also been the beneficiaries of American largesse, but to no discernible tangible effect. Peace did come close once. A very interesting story.

I believe them when they tell me there are many Palestinians who want peace (and business) with Israel, and wish the gangs would all go away. I believe them when they say the western Mediterranean could be a very prosperous place. I believe them when they say it’s a dangerous place for people who simply want to live their lives, and that people there have to be careful what they say. I believe them when they say it’s dangerous to be in the way of Israeli retaliation, which tends to be as selective as possible, but very forceful and insistent in a very crowded place. I believe them when they say Israelis tend to be arrogant. But I also believe them when they say you’re safe around Israelis if you are no threat to them. I also believe them when they say Israelis are honorable and ethical people, by and large. I believe them when they say the “Gangs of New York” are what stand in the way of peace and prosperity.

I believe them when they say they, themselves, have come close to being assassinated; never by Israelis, but by Palestinian gangs.

I believe them because they have been there, are “insiders” there, and are in a position, perhaps more than anyone I have ever heard of, to know what’s real and what’s not.

 

[PazFeAmor]

There are several websites that focus on Palestinian Christians, the first being Al Bushra which is run by Father Labib Kobti who is a Palestinian Catholic Priest. al-bushra.org/

The second site is **Catholic Action Bethlehem ** which works directly with Palestinian Christian families in Bethlehem ca-b.org/

Someone that I truly admire is Ghassan Andoni, a Palestinian Christian who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has been arrested and tortured many times by the Israeli police and works tirelessly for peace. He is one of the co-founders of both the “International Solidarity Movement” and the “Palestinian Center of Rapproachment between People” pcr.ps/

You can read a large excerpt (102 pages) of **Father Chacour’s Blood Brother’s **here: al-bushra.org/chacour/boodbrothers.htm

Another book that I highly recommend is **Imm Mathilda ** by Alison Jones Nassar. Mrs. Nassar is an American who married a Palestinian Christian and this book is a collection of her e-mails that she sent to family and friends describing her family’s experiences of living under the occupation in Bethlehem. Every American should read it, very eye opening.

I think that **Father Labib **would be your best bet on asking which Catholic organizations best help the Palestinian Christian community.

I have a great love for the Palestinian people and hope that peace comes soon for both sides.

Peace.

**My webpages on the conflict containing links that help explain the origins of the conflict: mysite.verizon.net/vzew4v2y/catholic4life/id9.html

 

[Christy74]

No hatred at all. Great!

As to the money, I agree it was a soft touch. Here’s you:

“I would suggest sending a letter to Catholic Archbishop of Galilee Abuna (Father) Elias Chacour a letter and ask him where to send a contribution.”
Then you should look at the prior posts in which I suggested other means, but the poster insisted that he wanted to give money. Being that I, personally, am not in a financial situation to give money myself I have no idea where he would send any, so I suggested that he ask the Archbishop of Galilee first.

You again:
“This statement shows that you have not done any research in this matter or you would know that the statistics show that substanially more Palestinian Children die from gunshot wounds to the head by Israeli soldiers that Israeli adults & children are ever killed by a Palestinian terrorist.”

The burden is on you, not me, to prove this from a credible source, with real numbers and verification. Please do so.

No problem, just visit www.rememberthesechildren.org and you will find a complete listing of all children killed, both Israeli and Palestinian since sometime in 2000. It gives the names of the children and what caused their death. The current number is: 123 Israeli children since Sept. 2000 and 1,047 Palestinian children since Sept. 2000. As far as I’m concerned that is 1,170 too many!

How about this, just to make it shorter? You cite one murder of Palestinian non-combatant civilians perpetrated by israelis, and I’ll then cite one murder of Israeli non-combatant civilians perpetrated by Palestinian extremists. Then you, then me, and so on. No generalities. Actual events, with dates and places and the number killed, how and by whom. I am reasonably confident that you will run out before I do. Do you want to start, or do you want me to start?
Just refer to the above website as it gives exactly what you are looking for in regards to the children, the most innocent of all in this conflict, it’s 88% more Palestinian children dying over Israeli. All these deaths are horrible; however, with the statistics you clearly see who the aggressor is in this conflict.

You could also do a You Tube search of: Occupation 101 to see clips from the movie - Catholic Relief Workers give their experience of the situation.

You could also visit: Catholic Relief Services to read what the Catholic Relief Workers are seeing as a result of the current situation.

You could also read Catholic Archbishop Elias Chacour’s book “Blood Brothers”

You could visit: attendingtheworld.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/pope-benedict-please-support-palestinian-christians/ to see what the current Pope has to say about the situation. “…**Pope Benedict **endorsed Israel’s right to self-defense but also appealed for an end to Palestinian suffering. He further voiced concern about the dwindling number of Christians in the Holy Land.” (my bolding)
On this site, you can even see what former Israeli soldiers have to say about the situation via video.

We as Catholics have a responsibility to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering in addition to non-Catholics who are suffering.

We must do what we can to end the Apartheid…there are roads and settlements all over Palestine which are for “Jewish only” - just as back in the day in the U.S. there were waterfountains for “Whites only”. This is not acceptable in any country. No matter what group is oppressing another, whether it’s race related or some other differential, we must as Christians stand up and do what we can to bring about a peaceful end to it.

Peace

 

[Christy74]

There are several websites that focus on Palestinian Christians, the first being Al Bushra which is run by Father Labib Kobti who is a Palestinian Catholic Priest. al-bushra.org/

The second site is **Catholic Action Bethlehem ** which works directly with Palestinian Christian families in Bethlehem ca-b.org/

Someone that I truly admire is Ghassan Andoni, a Palestinian Christian who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has been arrested and tortured many times by the Israeli police and works tirelessly for peace. He is one of the co-founders of both the “International Solidarity Movement” and the “Palestinian Center of Rapproachment between People” pcr.ps/

You can read a large excerpt (102 pages) of **Father Chacour’s Blood Brother’s **here: al-bushra.org/chacour/boodbrothers.htm

Another book that I highly recommend is **Imm Mathilda ** by Alison Jones Nassar. Mrs. Nassar is an American who married a Palestinian Christian and this book is a collection of her e-mails that she sent to family and friends describing her family’s experiences of living under the occupation in Bethlehem. Every American should read it, very eye opening.

I think that **Father Labib **would be your best bet on asking which Catholic organizations best help the Palestinian Christian community.

I have a great love for the Palestinian people and hope that peace comes soon for both sides.

Peace.

**My webpages on the conflict containing links that help explain the origins of the conflict: mysite.verizon.net/vzew4v2y/catholic4life/id9.html

Thank you for your sources of information. I’m sure this will be a help to many who want to find out more about the situation.

Peace

 

[Terry_from_Ypsi]

Happily I will share that our parish, Christ the King Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, Mich has a sister parish that is Beit Sahour in Bethlehem. So at every mass they are prayed for. Also, we send them some financial aide and have periodic collections.

Also, a Palestinian company comes to sell religious items made from Olive Wood. So we do what we can.

Regards

 

[PazFeAmor]

Thank you for your sources of information. I’m sure this will be a help to many who want to find out more about the situation.

Peace

No need to thank me, the Palestinian Christian community are in need of MUCH SUPPORT and I pray that many of our fellow Catholic brothers/sisters give them that support so that the community can become stronger and I pray that those who have fled to foreign lands to escape the occupation can return one day as well.

Another link is to the documentary called “Salt of the Earth” that is about the Palestinian Christians of the Northern West Bank
saltfilms.net/flash.html There is also a 3 year journal about the experiences of the married couple working within the community detailing day to day living experiences in Zababdeh, West Bank saltfilms.net/zababdeh/index.html

Zababdeh is a small village that has a pretty large number of Christians living in it…

Peace.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Christy74:
Hard to copy your posts because of the way you do them. But this is your response to my asking you to produce information on the Palestinian children you claimed were shot in the head by Israelis:

No problem, just visit www.rememberthesechildren.org and you will find a complete listing of all children killed, both Israeli and Palestinian since sometime in 2000. It gives the names of the children and what caused their death. The current number is: 123 Israeli children since Sept. 2000 and 1,047 Palestinian children since Sept. 2000. As far as I’m concerned that is 1,170 too many!
** Of course, one is too many. But some of these are hardly children, as claimed, some were combatants, some were not, as claimed “shot in the head”. But again, even one is too many. **

How about this, just to make it shorter? You cite one murder of Palestinian non-combatant civilians perpetrated by israelis, and I’ll then cite one murder of Israeli non-combatant civilians perpetrated by Palestinian extremists. Then you, then me, and so on. No generalities. Actual events, with dates and places and the number killed, how and by whom. I am reasonably confident that you will run out before I do. Do you want to start, or do you want me to start?

Your response:
Just refer to the above website as it gives exactly what you are looking for in regards to the children, the most innocent of all in this conflict, it’s 88% more Palestinian children dying over Israeli. All these deaths are horrible; however, with the statistics you clearly see who the aggressor is in this conflict

You did not cite one single murder of Palestinians by Israelis. Not one. Does your hatred of Israelis blind you to the difference between combatant deaths and murder? This is what murder is:

October 28, 2001: Two Palestinian gunmen killed four Israeli women at a crowded bus stop in the city of Hadera. Although Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack, the two gunmen who carried out the attack were members of the Palestinian police force.

 

[BamaRider]

Your talking about giving money to the same people that voted Hamas into power? No thanks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Christy:

One of your examples ia a 17 year old as follows: “killed by IDF gunfire to his head during a demonstration at Netzarim Junction.”

I might note that virtually every one of the deaths at the website cited occurred during “demonstrations” or at a checkpoint (all without details as to what any of them were doing at those “demonstrations” or at the checkpoints into Israel.)

Do you not see the difference between that and this?

December 1, 2001: “A double suicide bombing at the Ben-Yehuda pedestrian mall in Jerusalem at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night killed 11 people, aged 12-21, and injured 188 people. A car bomb exploded 20 minutes later. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.”

If you do not see a difference between deaths occurring during violent confrontations and those occurring due to deliberate murder of people who were simply going about their lives and did nothing to provoke the attack except exist, then I cannot help but think you are so blinded by your hatred of Israelis that you can no longer see moral differences.

Fortunately, most Americans still do see a difference.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Interesting that the Catholic Action Bethlehem does not indulge in hate-Israel talk. Perhaps it’s really a Catholic charity, then.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Someone that I truly admire is Ghassan Andoni, a Palestinian Christian who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. ** As was Rush Limbaugh**He has been arrested and tortured many times by the Israeli police ** His Wikipedia bio says he was once imprisoned for taking part in a tax revolt. Nothing about torture. ** pcr.ps/

I think that **Father Labib would be your best bet on asking which Catholic organizations best help the Palestinian Christian community. ** I think the Catholic Chancery in your own diocese would be the best bet to ensure that one is not supporting murderers. Many, many supposed “charities” in the Middle East are nothing but funding sources for terrorists.

 

[PazFeAmor]

Originally Posted by PazFeAmor
Someone that I truly admire is Ghassan Andoni, a Palestinian Christian who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. As was Rush LimbaughHe has been arrested and tortured many times by the Israeli police His Wikipedia bio says he was once imprisoned for taking part in a tax revolt. Nothing about torture. pcr.ps/

yes, because Wikipedia is always correct and complete in its information.

Just because you have not read of his being tortured or of other facts on his life that are not in Wikipedia doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And I will not give you this information and fall into the “you have to provide the proof since you brought it up” trap and derail the thread way off course.

I think that Father Labib would be your best bet on asking which Catholic organizations best help the Palestinian Christian community. I think the Catholic Chancery in your own diocese would be the best bet to ensure that one is not supporting murderers. Many, many supposed “charities” in the Middle East are nothing but funding sources for terrorists.

For crying out loud, your “all Palestinians are terrorists” rants are old and tired. Father Labib is a well-respected priest and just because he is Palestinian does not make him less knowledgeable or trustworthy.

I cannot speak for the OP but please take all this “Palestinians are all terrorists” energy and use it to a create another thread instead of hijacking this thread. This thread is what others are doing to help Catholic Palestinians suffering in Palestine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

PazFeAmor:
For crying out loud, your “all Palestinians are terrorists” rants are old and tired. Father Labib is a well-respected priest and just because he is Palestinian does not make him less knowledgeable or trustworthy. Never did I say all Palestinians are terrorists. You invented that. I know for a fact that not all Palestinians are terrorists. I simply said that many Middle Eastern “charities” are terrorist funding sources and that people should check them out well before donating to them. Does that trouble you?

This thread is what others are doing to help Catholic Palestinians suffering in Palestine. ** If that was truly the case, that would be one thing. But it’s not. The vilification of Israelis has been pervasive from the very first, as was encouragement to take a political stance against them. With the exception of the CAB site you cited, your references do it as well. Interestingly, the CAB site also says its purposes are to aid Christians in Arab states as well; places where there are no Israelis. I do not doubt for a moment that Christians are persecuted for being Christian in all places dominated by Islamic forces. Also interestingly, it says nothing about aiding Catholics in Israel; doubtless because the latter do not need it. **

 

[Christy74]

This thread is what others are doing to help Catholic Palestinians suffering in Palestine. ** If that was truly the case, that would be one thing. But it’s not. The vilification of Israelis has been pervasive from the very first, as was encouragement to take a political stance against them. With the exception of the CAB site you cited, your references do it as well. Interestingly, the CAB site also says its purposes are to aid Christians in Arab states as well; places where there are no Israelis. I do not doubt for a moment that Christians are persecuted for being Christian in all places dominated by Islamic forces. Also interestingly, it says nothing about aiding Catholics in Israel; doubtless because the latter do not need it. **

I started this thread and I can assure you that I am not political, but I am for peace.

It is clear that you have no personal desire to help the Melkite Greek Catholics in Palestine. That’s okay, we all are called by Christ to do different things.

This thread is not for you, but for all who are doing what they can to help bring Christ’s Peace which surpasses all understanding to a people who need it.

Please cease your attacks on us Catholics who do have a desire to help bring peace to our Catholic brothers and sisters as there is no need for attacks here.

Perhaps you are called by Christ to feed the homeless in your area? Perhaps you are called by Christ to volunteer your time to pray for an end of Abortion outside a local abortion mill? Perhaps you are called by Christ to volunteer as a drug and alcohol counseler?

I don’t know what you are called to; however, I do know that you are called by Christ to do something positive for Christians and non-Christians alike…please, if you know what it is, begin or refocus on doing it. Your focus should be there not on taking time to attack us for our calling. If you do not know your calling, then please take the time to pray for God’s direction and discuss it with your Spiritual Father or Spiritual Mother and they will help direct you.

Tearing down others in their calling does not do anything positive for you or for them or for Christ. The Archbishop of Galilee would not make visit to our parish in CA and tell us lies about what is going on to the Catholics in Palestine and Israel. It is clear that you have not heard what he has said and do not believe it. Please pursue your positive contribution to the Body of Christ rather than attack us.

May God bless you and bring peace to your heart.

 

[Christy74]

PazFeAmor:
Thank you for your contribution. You’ve made some wonderful points.

Peace

 

[Ridgerunner]

I started this thread and I can assure you that I am not political, but I am for peace. ** That’s good. You came off as political because of your attack on the Israelis. Perhaps you didn’t mean it that way.**

It is clear that you have no personal desire to help the Melkite Greek Catholics in Palestine. That’s okay, we all are called by Christ to do different things. ** I didn’t say that. What I said is that there is nothing I can personally do to bring peace to the Middle East. I know people, Palestinians, who are engaged in that process and have come tantalizingly close to success. But it is an intensely difficult thing, primarily due to Yasser Arafat’s betraying Fatah shortly before his death and because of Iran. **

This thread is not for you, but for all who are doing what they can to help bring Christ’s Peace which surpasses all understanding to a people who need it. ** Now, now. I think all these threads are for all those who wish to enter them.**

Please cease your attacks on us Catholics who do have a desire to help bring peace to our Catholic brothers and sisters as there is no need for attacks here. ** No, no. You attacked Israelis with your very first post. I responded, because I do not blame Israelis for everything that happens over there. That is hardly an attack on Catholics, particularly because there are also Israeli Catholics. **

Perhaps you are called by Christ to feed the homeless in your area? Perhaps you are called by Christ to volunteer your time to pray for an end of Abortion outside a local abortion mill? Perhaps you are called by Christ to volunteer as a drug and alcohol counseler? ** That, of course, is between me and Jesus.**

I don’t know what you are called to; however, I do know that you are called by Christ to do something positive for Christians and non-Christians alike…please, if you know what it is, begin or refocus on doing it. Your focus should be there not on taking time to attack us for our calling. If you do not know your calling, then please take the time to pray for God’s direction and discuss it with your Spiritual Father or Spiritual Mother and they will help direct you. ** I do not, and did not, attack you for your calling. I defended Israelis. Nothing more. Possibly I am called, inter alia, to be a defender of Jews, Muslims and Christians who want real peace in the Eastern Mediterranean. That’s small stuff, I agree, but perhaps there is a reason why I was fortunate to learn from “insiders” what the story really is over there. **

Tearing down others in their calling does not do anything positive for you or for them or for Christ. The Archbishop of Galilee would not make visit to our parish in CA and tell us lies about what is going on to the Catholics in Palestine and Israel. It is clear that you have not heard what he has said and do not believe it. Please pursue your positive contribution to the Body of Christ rather than attack us. ** Again, if your calling is to aid Catholics in Palestine, I don’t have a problem with that. Never did, and never said I did. But if your calling is to tear down Israelis, as you have done, then I consider it part of my calling to oppose that point of view, because I know it is erroneous. I would think it obvious, even if I did not personally know some of the more serious and effective Palestinian peacemakers. Catholics are seriously oppressed in Lebanon; oppressed to the point that they’re leaving in great numbers, and there’s not a single Israeli soldier there. But there are Syrian and Iranian proxies and agents there. As was pointed out before, in the CAB website, Catholics are oppressed all over the Middle East. Israel, of course, was not mentioned as being one of those places. **

May God bless you and bring peace to your heart. ** As the Poles say, “the sky is clean, the fields are green, my heart serene.” **

 

[Ghosty]

Where was the attack on Israeli’s in the first post? My parish is Melkite, and we have many Palestinian members, and almost everyone at least has Palestinian relatives.

Such actions as denying health-care for Palestinians (elderly and children included due to road-blocks is common, day to day practice. That isn’t an attack on Israeli’s, it’s a statement of the policies of the IDF at checkpoints.

One doesn’t have to say, or even imply, that Israeli’s are immoral or twisted just to point out the basic day-to-day operating procedures of the IDF, and I didn’t see that done by anyone here.

Melkites (and others) ARE suffering in Palestine due to policies and illegal land-takeovers. So the the topic of the thread (how do we help), can be perfectly valid without getting into the nasty politics of support or opposition to Israel.

Peace and God bless!

 

[Christy74]

Where was the attack on Israeli’s in the first post? My parish is Melkite, and we have many Palestinian members, and almost everyone at least has Palestinian relatives.

Such actions as denying health-care for Palestinians (elderly and children included due to road-blocks is common, day to day practice. That isn’t an attack on Israeli’s, it’s a statement of the policies of the IDF at checkpoints.

One doesn’t have to say, or even imply, that Israeli’s are immoral or twisted just to point out the basic day-to-day operating procedures of the IDF, and I didn’t see that done by anyone here.

Melkites (and others) ARE suffering in Palestine due to policies and illegal land-takeovers. So the the topic of the thread (how do we help), can be perfectly valid without getting into the nasty politics of support or opposition to Israel.

Peace and God bless!

God bless you Ghosty!