24th September 2007 - The entire world, with its civil societies and freedom seekers, pray for peace, non-violence and justice on the UN declared day. As Palestinians in the Holy Land, our prayers should be present and our united voice should be heard.
The Network of Christian Organizations in Bethlehem (NCOB) organized an event near the Apartheid Wall in Bethlehem, and invited local, international, grass roots, official and civil organizations and groups to participate on Monday the 24th of September 2007.
The event took place next to Sumud Centre/ House of Peace, in an area trapped between the Wall and the Bethlehem-Jerusalem Military Checkpoint. Around one hundred attendees came from the various organizations, including the mayor of Bethlehem and EAPPI team, as well as representatives of the Bil’in Popular Committee. The program schedule was as follows:
- Welcome Speech by NCOB Coordinator Mr. Nidal Abuzuluf
- Readings from the Gospel and the Qura'n on the theme of Peace
- Speech by Bishop Fr. Dr. Atallah Hanna / Greek Orthodox Church
- Speech by Sheikh Dr. Tayseer Tamimi / Head of the Palestinian Muslim Clerics
- Prayers and reflections by youth
- Speech by EAPPI accompanier
- Dabka performance – Irtas Centre
- Candle March towards the Wall
- Christians-Muslims joint Ramadan Iftar
The NCOB representative, Nidal Abu Zuluf, welcomed the attendees and speakers. He reminded the attendees that this was an international event and the importance or the Christian and Muslim prayers in the Holy Land. He also gave updates on the Network and development of the National Coalition of Christian Organization of Palestine (NCCOP).
Arch. Fr. Atallah Hanna presented the Palestinian Christian theological perspective, saying that their voice and prayer for justice and freedom should be present and heard. He spoke about how the Wall separates the Holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem and he stressed the importance of Christian-Muslim relations in living and suffering together in Palestine.
Sheikh Tayseer Tamimi emphasized the importance of civil actions against occupation and prayers for peace, especially in this Islamic Holy month of Ramadan. Like his counterpart he urged the participants not to forget the strength of Muslim-Christian relations.
The EAPPI coordinator addressed the audience with a reflection from the World Council of Churches, and assured his teams’ transfer of the Palestinian prayer to their original countries and communities. He also expressed pleasure of seeing the Palestinians, Christians and Muslims, pray together for peace.
After the Dabka performance the attendees marched by the Wall in a candle vigil, expressing their rejection to this separation and land annexation.
The ceremony concluded with a joint Ramadan breakfast, shared by Palestinian Muslim, Christian and international representatives.
