Large Jerusalem Delegation Visits Lutheran Church in Jerusalem to Congratulate Christians on Glorious Easter

Jerusalem - "Al-Quds" dot com - By Ahmed Jalajel - A large Jerusalem delegation, including Jerusalemite bodies, institutions, and personalities, visited the Lutheran Church in the Old City of Jerusalem to congratulate Christian brethren on Glorious Easter and to offer congratulations to Bishop Emad Haddad on his appointment as Bishop of the Anglican Church. The delegation was received by their Excellencies Bishops Walid Shoumali, Attallah Hanna, Munib Younan, and Emad Haddad.

After the delegation offered congratulations to the Christian brethren on Glorious Easter and felicitations to Bishop Emad Haddad on his appointment as Bishop of the Anglican Church.

Attendees from both sides unanimously emphasized in their speeches the necessity of communication and meetings between the people of Jerusalem, meetings that embody the unity of our people and strengthen cohesion and unity among its members at the popular and public levels. Speakers stressed the condemnation of arbitrary and oppressive Israeli measures and practices that contradict international law by restricting freedom of worship and movement for all people of different religions. They saw that the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre does not fall within the framework of the arguments and pretexts promoted by the occupation government and its security apparatus to provide security and protection for worshippers from Iranian missiles. They viewed this as part of a political and ideological path aimed at changing the legal and religious status of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the religious, historical, and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. This closure was intended to reshape religious and symbolic sovereignty over Al-Aqsa and the Holy Sepulchre, and to gradually shift from managing the conflict to resolving it with legal and security tools to change the entire scene in the city of Jerusalem.

Speakers condemned the prevention of Christians from observing Palm Sunday rituals in the Holy Sepulchre, and the repression and abuse suffered by those celebrating Holy Saturday, with many of them being prevented from reaching the Holy Sepulchre, and the assault on scout troops and the attempt to remove the Palestinian flag from their clothes. In contrast, the militarization of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the prevention of Muslims from praying there during the holy month of Ramadan, and the failure to observe Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr, and the repression, abuse, and arrests suffered by worshippers during their prayers near Al-Aqsa Mosque were condemned.

Speakers also stressed the condemnation of the inappropriate statements and words by President Trump against Pope Leo XIV, who said that he was weak in the face of crimes and strong in foreign policy, and threatened that he would work to dismiss him and tailor a church and a pope to his measure. Pope Leo, who carries a message of love, peace, and support for the oppressed and against wars and killing, responded to Trump by saying that his wars are only for himself and for money, oil, and wealth, and his wars against Iran, Venezuela, Palestine, and Lebanon are unjust wars.

In conclusion, speakers emphasized the necessity of steadfastness and resilience in the city, despite all the oppressive circumstances from the occupation, which aims to liquidate the Islamic and Christian presence in the Holy City, especially its Old City. They praised the activities and events taking place in various countries around the world to expose and denounce the occupying state, which seeks to expel and displace the Palestinian people.