Israeli Decision on Barrier “Double-Edged,” Says Franciscan

Few people understand the ramifications of Israeli-Palestinian affairs on the Palestinian Christian community within Israel and the Occupied Territories. One of the more terrible effects has to be the division of Christian lands, convents, schools, and villages along the route of the barrier being constructed by the IDF:

Father David Jaeger said the decision ‘on one hand represents an important defeat for the top brass, because it denies that the chosen route of the barrier is the only one compatible with the needs for security.’

But on the other hand,’ he told Vatican Radio, ‘it does not deny the legitimacy of the barrier as such. By de-legitimizing part of the barrier’s route the court might help the government to defend itself against external criticisms.’

Father Jaeger stressed that ‘it is almost impossible to describe fully’ the upheaval caused by the barrier.

It ‘separates farmers from their fields, children from their school, employees from their jobs, patients from their hospital,’ he said.

May we all keep in mind our Palestinian Christian brethren when we hear of what is happening in Israel, and know that they most of all suffer the greatest from both sides when there is struggle there.