JERUSALEM, October 9, 2011 (WAFA) - Assembly of Catholic Bishops in the Holy Land, in a press release Sunday, condemned Friday's attack on Muslim and Christian cemeteries in Jaffa.
The Assembly called on the Israeli government and its agencies not to condemn and pay solidarity visits only, but to continue taking serious measures to bring attackers and those who stand behind them to justice and to work towards reexamining the role of the state in educating its citizens to respect others, even if different.
The Assembly said, “We witnessed in the last days frequent violations, burning and desecration of holy places, and things are not limited anymore to a certain area, but were extended to Galilee and Jaffa. Few radicals stood behind these incidents.”
The press release held Israel responsible for the security and safety of all, but especially for the respect of holy sites during this new phenomenon of violence.
“These incidents have nothing to do with religion or state interest, but threaten all with no exception. Therefore, we don't only condemn these incidents, but call everybody, especially the State, to bear responsibility,” said the press release.
“We pray to the Almighty for inspiring all, leaders and people, but especially those who tend to violence and desecration of holy sites, to work together for building a better society in which all religions will be a constructive, not destructive, element to human beings and society,” the press release concluded.
R.Q./F.J.
