Hello Visitor,
Welcome to Jerusalem! We are a community of Palestinian and other Christians from around the world. As you visit Jerusalem, we hope that you begin to understand the beauty, significance, and complexity of this city not only for Christians, but for Jews, Muslims, and all who call Jerusalem their home.
Here are a few things we’d like you to know:
- There’s a strong community of Palestinian Christians here. We’ve been a part of this land for a very long time and we plan to remain here.
- There is a strong sense of solidarity and religious harmony between the Palestinian Christians and Muslims, they consider themselves to be one people/nation. They face the same systematic discriminatory policies and human rights violations from the Israeli occupation forces and settlers.
- Our Christian history traces back to the early days of Pentecost in Acts 2:11. We are deeply rooted in the land and we refuse to be challenged by any other narrative.
- Many Palestinians face tough times. According to UNRWA as of December 2021, over 1.8 million Palestinian refugees are registered in one of the 58 official refugee camps throughout UNRWA’s five areas of operation.
- Most Palestinians have considerably less water than their Israeli neighbors.
- Palestinians are often imprisoned without clear reasons. Families sometimes need special permission just to live together.
- Every day, our local clergy and the broader Christian community face disheartening challenges. They are often subjected to both verbal and physical aggression, including distressing incidents of being spat upon and attacked. This ongoing hostility deeply affects their well-being and ability to worship and live in peace.
- While the majority of us Palestinians are Arab, our people represent a diverse mosaic of ethnic and religious backgrounds, especially evident in the multicultural city of Jerusalem. Though some mistakenly associate us with the biblical Philistines, Palestinians are the indigenous inhabitants of this land. Unfortunately, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 has resulted in the dispossession and displacement of us Palestinians, a price we continue to painfully pay.
We appreciate your time and understanding. As you experience Jerusalem, please remember its diverse people and their stories.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Servants of the King of the Earth.