Drew Christiansen, S.J., describes the Palestinian Christians’ plight when, apparently, no one else will (Christians, Christmas and the Intifada, 2/12). Perhaps we’ve heard so many stories about shellings, arrests and deaths that we’ve been desensitized. We forget that those enduring the oppression have names and faces. They are members of families. They’re members of our family.
The Israeli government clearly cares little, if anything, for their fate. The Israeli army recklessly shells homes and a seminary. Our seminarians have visited Beit Jala. They’ve attended Mass in Arabic in the seminary chapel and enjoyed gracious hospitality in their dining room. They’ve played basketball under lights afterward on their outdoor court and taught one another folk songs.
Please make this the first, not the last story about the fate of our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters. If American Christians do nothing, there will be no native Christians to welcome pilgrims when peace comes.
(Rev.) Patrick F. Halfpenny