(Daniele Rocchi, SIR’s correspondent in Bethlehem) “Christ’s birth, poor in a stable, makes us reflect on what is now happening in Gaza. In the past few weeks, violence has caused many deaths and the loss of houses, schools and institutions causing suffering to people, especially innocent children.” This violence “is to be condemned firmly” according to Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Mgr Fouad Twal, who chose to launch his appeal yesterday in front of a vast crowd of children gathered for the Christmas procession on the streets of Bethlehem. The procession was also attended by the bishops of the Co-ordination of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe and the United States paying their solidarity visit to the country. “Violence is tempting because it makes us believe that it can solve our problems. This is a false hope as it brings only further complications that are making the attempt of finding a fair solution even more difficult.” According to the Patriarch, the solution can be found only through a global approach to the problems of this region that is respectful of the legitimate aspirations and interests of all parties.” “The dreadful images of young victims in Gaza – he concluded – open us to compassion and urges us to raise our voice to defend them, because 20 years after the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are still vulnerable and deprived of their rights and dignity.”
© SIR