Pastor in Bethlehem denounces US evangelicals for abandoning Palestinian Christians

Summary

In this video transcript, Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac discusses the plight of Palestinian Christians amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She highlights the Israeli government's attacks on Palestinian Christians, the lack of international outrage, and the impact of occupation on their community. The conversation also touches on the role of American evangelicals in supporting Israel and the broader implications of US foreign policy on the conflict.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Israeli government is accused of portraying itself as the defender of Western civilization against Islamist extremists, specifically Hamas, while simultaneously attacking Palestinian Christians.
• 🕍 The script describes the bombing of one of the oldest Christian churches in Gaza, resulting in the death of 16 Palestinian Christians seeking shelter there, highlighting the vulnerability of this community.
• 📉 The cancellation of holiday celebrations in Bethlehem by Palestinian Christians in solidarity with those in Gaza, indicating a sense of unity and shared struggle among Palestinians.
• 🛑 The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that Israeli policies, such as the separation barrier, have restricted the rights of Palestinian Christians, impeding access to holy sites.
• 🔍 The lack of outrage from American Christians, particularly evangelicals, over the persecution of Palestinian Christians is noted, questioning why this issue has been largely ignored.
• 🤝 Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac, an academic dean and pastor, is introduced as a key voice discussing the plight of Palestinian Christians and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.
• 🏙️ The situation in Gaza for Palestinian Christians is dire, with a lack of medicine and food, and the destruction of places of worship, leading to a sense of desperation and helplessness.
• 🚨 There has been an increase in anti-Christian violence in the West Bank, with attacks on clergy, cemeteries, and churches, suggesting a targeted campaign against the Christian community.
• 🗣️ The narrative that blames Hamas and Islamic extremism for the exodus of Palestinian Christians is challenged, with the actual reasons being the harsh conditions of life under occupation.
• 💔 A feeling of betrayal by Christian evangelicals in the U.S. is expressed, particularly due to their support for Israel despite the impact of its policies on Palestinian Christians.
• 🌍 The script calls for a shift in focus to the sanctity of human life and the need for faith leaders to hold politicians accountable for their role in the ongoing conflict.

Q & A

What is the Israeli government's stance according to the transcript?

The Israeli government is portrayed as claiming to be the last line of defense for Western Civilization against Islamist threats, specifically fighting against Muslim extremists of Hamas.

Why does the transcript mention Palestinian Christians?

The transcript brings up Palestinian Christians to highlight that they are being attacked and killed, which is not commonly discussed in the West, and to challenge the narrative that Israel is solely fighting Islamist extremists.

How many Palestinian Christians are believed to be in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem?

At least 50,000 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are believed to be Christians.

What happened to the oldest church in Gaza during Israel's assault as described in the transcript?

The oldest church in Gaza was bombed during Israel's assault, resulting in the death of 16 Palestinian Christians who were sheltering there, and damage to the church's facade and the collapse of an adjacent building.

What was the reported action by an Israeli military sniper in the Holy Family Parish in Gaza?

An Israeli military sniper reportedly shot and killed two women inside the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, an action described by the most senior Catholic cleric in England as a cold-blooded killing.

Why were holiday celebrations in Bethlehem cancelled according to the transcript?

Holiday celebrations in Bethlehem were cancelled by Palestinian Christians in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Gaza.

What does the US Commission on International Religious Freedom report about Israel's policies?

The report states that the separation barrier significantly impeded Bethlehem area Christians, including clergy, from reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and made visits to Christian sites in Bethany and Bethlehem difficult for Palestinian Christians living on the Jerusalem side of the barrier.

What is the Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac's view on the situation for Palestinian Christians in Gaza?

Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac believes that Palestinian Christians in Gaza are facing a tragic humanitarian situation with a lack of medicine and food, and that no place is safe, including churches where people have been killed.

What has been the impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian Christian communities according to Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac?

The Israeli occupation has led to a lack of freedom, confiscation of land, and a family registration system that denies Palestinian Christians the right to return to their homeland, contributing to the exodus of young Christian Palestinians.

How does Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac describe the reaction of Christian evangelicals in the US to the situation of Palestinian Christians?

Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac feels betrayed by Christian evangelicals in the US due to their support for Israel based on a theology called Christian Zionism, ignorance of the situation on the ground, and a lack of awareness of the impact of their support on Palestinian Christians.

What message does Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac want to convey to President Joe Biden and the US government?

Reverend Dr. Mona Isaac wants to hold politicians accountable for their policies, stating that the current administration's policy has directly contributed to the killing of thousands of Palestinians, and urging them to prevent further violence in the West Bank.