wfn.org | Syrian Catholic Bishop Complains Over Israeli Treatment

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Contact: Fr. Raed Abusahlia
Chancellor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
P.O. Box 14152  Jerusalem  91141
Tel.  (972 2) 628.2323 or 627.2280
Fax  (972 2) 627.1652
E-mail: nonviolence@writeme.com
E-mail: Latinpat@actcom.co.il
Website: http://www.lpj.org/
Website: http://members.nbci.com/nonviolence

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK, January 16, 2001--The Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian 
Catholic Church has lodged a complaint to Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Barak 
after being held at the for an hour at the checkpoint between this city and 
Jerusalem.

Bishop Grégoire Pierre Abdel-Ahad charged the Israeli soldiers with 
discrimination which he said he had experienced before.

His official diplomatic car was flying the Vatican flag and the Patriarchal 
Vicar carried Vatican credentials.   In his complaint letter he cited the 
Fundamental Agreement between the Vatican and the State of Israel, which, 
among other provisions, ensures right to travel.

The border soldiers told Bishop Abdel-Ahad that Bethlehem was "totally 
forbidden."

The text of the complaint letter follows:

 

H. E. Mr. Ehud Barak
Prime Minister
Defense Minister

Police and soldiers at the Bethlehem Checkpoint.

Your Excellency,

Today, Tuesday 16th January 2001 for a whole hour (from 9.00 to 10.00 a.m.), 
I was stopped and retained by a Police Officer and Soldier at the Bethlehem 
Checkpoint by the traffic lights, who refused to let me pass to go to 
Bethlehem though I presented to them all the documents in my possession, i.e.

-   The VIP Card
-   The Vatican Passport
-   The diplomatic Plate of my car N 36 036 22 (White)
-   The Vatican Flag with the Patriarchate Cross.

The only reason they gave is that entry to Bethlehem is totally forbidden 
till 12.00 noontime.

As much as I insisted and argued with them that I am a Bishop and Christian 
leader and I have religious charges and obligations in our Church in 
Bethlehem, but to NO AVAIL.

In the meantime and while I waited several other cars and even busses passed 
and entered Bethlehem.

At 10.00 a.m. the police car left the checkpoint when I was able to proceed 
to Bethlehem.

This incident grieved and vexed me and this due to a DISCRIMINATION which I 
have experienced several times, despite the signed the Fundamental Agreement 
between the State of Israel and the Vatican which gives freedom of movement 
and activity for religious duties. 

I am presenting to your Excellency, this complaint asking an explanation to 
what happened and for a formal excuse.

            + Grégoire Pierre Abdel-Ahad, Bishop
            Général Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Catholic Church

-end-