wfn.org | Episcopalians: A letter from Bishop Riah in Jerusalem

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

March 29, 2002

2002-081

Episcopalians: A letter from Bishop Riah in Jerusalem

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We have just finished our Good Friday service at St. Georges 
Cathedral, after walking the Via Dolorosa.  Good Friday has come 
to Jerusalem, amidst the sounds of helicopters, police sirens, 
and tank movements.  The atmosphere is frightening and this did 
not allow many to attend.  One is reminded of that atmosphere 
two thousand years ago.  The streets are conspicuously empty.

As you turn your attention to our Land, the Land where it all 
began on the first Good Friday so many years ago, we kindly ask 
that you be especially vigilant in your prayers for our people.  
We ask that you follow the example of John and Mary, and 
avoiding following in the footsteps of those who stood watching 
from afar.  As never before in the last 50 years, we ask that 
you be close to us and to our people.

In the community at large, in places like Ramallah and other 
towns in the West Bank and Gaza, people fear the worst.  
Yesterday the town of Ramallah was surrounded by 150 Israeli 
tanks.  Food supplies were quickly bought up and children were 
hurried home from schools.  Some found their way to Jerusalem 
while all foreigners were told by Israel to leave Palestine.  
Thirty International Observers from Italy, Switzerland and 
France have chosen to stay with the people of Ramallah, in a 
show of solidarity.

For the third time in as many months, Israeli Military forces 
have occupied the Arab Evangelical Home and School.  Yesterday, 
in anticipation of this act, all children were sent from the 
Home.  As anticipated, at 7:30 this morning Israeli Soldiers 
arrived and claimed the Home as theirs.  Ten sisters and lay 
staff remain on the premises and were ordered to move to another 
building.

The Rev. George Al Kopti, Rector of St. Andrews Episcopal 
Church in Ramallah remains in his home at the Church compound, 
afraid for his safety on the streets.  The sounds of gunfire 
consistently fill the air.

Please keep the people of the Evangelical Home and School, The 
people of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the people of Ramallah 
and all those in this Land in your prayers as you remember the 
first Good Friday.

Yet, the unquiet heart in each peace loving Child of God will 
keep us going.  We continue to hope, pray, work and look forward 
to transforming the present reality of death and great 
suffering, to a more pleasant future; one that respects the 
noble qualities of humanity.  Once we break with the old and 
come to terms with the new, the world at large will celebrate a 
Holy Resurrection indeed.

In spite of the pain and suffering of Good Friday two thousand 
years ago, as well as today, we continue to believe that good 
will overcome evil and peace will prevail over war.

In Christ,

+ The Rt. Rev. Riah Abu El-Assal

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