Holy Land: Jewish settlers destroy ancient church on Sea of Galilee

Gutted Church at Tabgha

An ancient Catholic church on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, well-known to pilgrims to the Holy Land, has been badly damaged by Jewish settlers in an arson attack. The extremist group attacked the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves at Tabgha, which is believed to be the site where Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes. Media sources said the fire caused heavy material damage to the church. The attackers also spray-painted anti-Christian grafitti in Hebrew on its walls, reading: 'the false gods will be eliminated.'

While much of the fabric of the church has been destroyed, a spokesman said he understood the ancient mosaics have survived.

There have been several attacks on Christian property in Israel in recent months. Israeli police claimed an investigation will be opened into this latest attack. To date, however, not a single settler has ever been prosecuted.

The Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land said in a statement today:

This morning, June 18, while listening to the Israel radio newscast about the fire in the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves in Tabgha, the Christians of the Holy Land, bishops and faithful, have been deeply shocked upon learning that it was an intentional act during the night, and that a monk and a German volunteer, were overcome by the fumes and taken to the hospital.

It is another act of violence perpetrated by intolerant and scrupulous individuals that damages the image of the Holy Land, offends Christians in this country and the Church as a whole, and distresses the idea of a State that defines itself as democratic, tolerant and secure.

We share the anguish of the Benedictine Fathers, guardians of the sanctuary, and we express our solidarity.

This is the third time that the Benedictine community of the Holy Land has been affected by similar criminal attacks. On April 27, 2014 at the same site in Tabgha, young extremist Jews desecrated crosses and an altar. In the Benedictine Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion close to the Upper Room, fire was started on May 26, 2014 a few minutes after the departure of Pope Francis. The Benedictines of Mount Zion are also incessantly subjected to acts of contempt and violence.

Such criminal acts seriously undermine the coexistence of religious communities in the country. Jews, Christians and Muslims together must fight against such manifestations of violence and extremism. The education of young people in religious schools must be emphasized in favour of tolerance and coexistence.

In recent months, other attacks were perpetrated against Christian sites or mosques and investigations were not followed up. Given the seriousness of these incidences, we demand immediate investigation and the perpetrators of this acts of vandalism be brought to justice.

We thank the political and religious leaders who have condemned this act and expressed their solidarity.

Our society needs our testimony of respect for the dignity of every man and woman, respect for their faith, and safeguard the sanctity of all holy places and their free access to believers.