On Easter Sunday, Palestinian Christians in the West Bank were unable to travel to Jerusalem for the Via Dolorosa procession, a tradition that commemorates the path Jesus took on his way to his crucifixion. The ongoing assault on Gaza and crackdown on the West Bank by Israel have made it increasingly difficult for Palestinian Christians to freely practice their faith, resulting in an unusually empty Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.
During an Easter vigil held in Gaza, Reverend Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Christian theologian and pastor at Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, spoke out against Western complicity in Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. He emphasized the need for accountability and global awareness of the situation in the region. Isaac also addressed issues faced by Palestinian Christians living in Gaza, including Israel’s occupation of Bethlehem and restrictions on freedoms in the West Bank.
Isaac also criticized support for Israel among some U.S. Christians and urged them to reevaluate their stance in light of human rights abuses being committed against Palestinians. He called for solidarity and action to address injustices faced by Palestinians. The ongoing conflict in the region has had a significant impact on both Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike, highlighting the importance of advocating for peace and justice for all.
