Dear Father Bashar,
We write to you and to Palestinian communities living in fear in the West Bank with heartfelt solidarity and faithful prayer.
We have been both profoundly moved by your courageous appeals, and deeply troubled by reports of the violence, threats and intimidation facing your community, including settler attacks and burning of land.
Please know that you and your people are not forgotten. Catholics across the United Kingdom stand in solidarity with you.
Your simple but powerful demand to remain on your land without fear speaks to a fundamental right to dignity, justice and peace.
We are inspired by the resilience of your parish and the determination of your community to continue its life despite these hardships.
The Christian presence in the Holy Land is not merely a legacy of the past, but a living faith sustained by families, children, prayer and community.
We recognise that words of solidarity must be accompanied by meaningful action. We join your appeal for the protection of people, homes, land and places of worship.
We will continue to urge the British Government, the international community and Church leaders to take concrete steps to protect residents, uphold international law and ensure accountability for violence and intimidation.
Father Bashar, please be assured of our continued prayers for you, your fellow clergy and all the people of Taybeh. May the Lord strengthen you, protect your community and sustain your hope.
We stand with you and will continue to raise our voices in prayer and solidarity, calling for justice, protection and peace.
May the Lord bless and protect the Holy Land, and may the Holy Family, who knew the vulnerability of life in this same land, accompany and strengthen you all.
With prayerful solidarity and fraternal affection,
The CAFOD community of England and Wales
