We were saddened to hear that the Dormition Monastery in Jerusalem’s Old City was defaced with anti-Christian graffiti that neither represents Jewish nor Zionist values.
We decided to visit the Monastery as a show of solidarity and made it clear to the locals that this is not the Jewish way and we are ashamed of what happened.
In addition, we left the following letter in the Monastery:
Greetings,
Unfortunately, we were witness to the act of vandalism that was perpetrated against you.
We, members of “Im Tirtzu,” express our revulsion at this act and condemn all instances of incitement and violence against the Christian population of Israel. The Christian community is an integral part of Israeli society and an act of violence against it is tantamount to an act against the entire Israeli society. Despite the differences that may arise between different faiths, there is no place in the State of Israel for violence and vandalism of this nature. We are truly disgusted by this offense.
“Build your home in such a way that a stranger may feel happy in your midst.”
— Theodor Herzl
Sincerely,
The Im Tirtzu Movement
You can read more about it here and here.
Father Gabriel Naddaf, chairman of the Christian IDF Forum and spiritual leader of the Aramean Christians in Israel, said: “This is an important step that shows those extremists that the majority are disgusted with their actions and that another way is possible. While others talk, Im Tirtzu proves that it strives to achieve real coexistence out of sincere concern for the well being of the relationship between Jews and Christians and in order to strengthen Israeli society. ”
