Holy Land: Church leaders appeal for international community to save Cremisan Valley

Salesian Sister on historic convent land marked for confiscation by Israel

Catholic Church leaders in the Holy Land are appealing for international support to protect the long-established communities and vineyards in the Cremisan Valley from being broken up and destroyed by the Separation Wall. The write:

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land (ACOHL) observes with anxiety the latest developments in the Cremisan Valley's case, of which the final verdict is expected any minute now. The last hearing, held on 30 November 2014 was meant to pressure the residents in order to make a choice between two unacceptable alternatives, both to the community and the Salesian Congregation.

ACOHL stands wholeheartedly with achieving justice in Cremisan and against building the Separation Wall, which is contrary to international law. In fact, the wall is intended by Israel, not to achieve security for its pre-June 1967 borders, but to protect the settlements illegally constructed on previously confiscated land in the early seventies and to give more expansion to Gilo and Har Gilo settlements. At the same time, the wall alienates the most basic rights and freedom of the Christian community of Beit Jala.

ACOHL stressed that land confiscation and settlement expansion do not serve peace in the region and warns of the continuous emigration of the Cremisan"community, mostly Christians, as a result of building the separation wall. ACOHL hopes that the Israeli High Court changes its route and shifts it along the "green line". The bishops are in favor of building bridges and not walls.

Finally, ACOHL called on the international community to take immediate action to protect the Cremisan valley's integrity within the Palestinian side and prays for all those in power and authority to wake up and realize the values of justice and peace, based on mutual respect and international legitimacy.

Last May the US Bishops Conference issued strong statement on the issue. See:  US bishops protest over Israel's plan to build Separation Wall in Cremisan Valley www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=22501

Source: PNS/ACOHL