‘Fear and instability’ in Israel

After spending two weeks travelling around Israel, Jamal Hashweh, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Jordan, relates a few of his impressions of the challenges being faced by Christians in the region.

JERUSALEM, Israel — “What I noticed in Haifa is fear and instability. Wherever you go you are carefully searched. Many people from both sides are against any extremist movements and want to live in peace. In Haifa, Arabs and Jews actually live together in a wonderful harmony and both condemn the stupid acts of the extremists.

“While I was speaking in Jerusalem I could hear some shooting outside. Half a mile away one person was killed and several were injured at the Damascus Gate. Jerusalem was sealed and we could not leave the old city.

“Israeli soldiers treat Palestinian Christians as Arabs and potential terrorists. Palestinian extremists treat them as traitors because they do not participate in the struggle against the occupation. They are in neither camp but suffer from both camps.”

Mr Hashweh is calling for prayer for both the Palestinian Bible Society and the Bible Society in Israel, “that the Lord may give them the wisdom and the strength to continue to distribute the Word of God in that most needy area.” (WR 372/34 - 11.02)