Patriarch Michel Sabbah Dedicates his Christmas Message to Gaza

The former Latin Archbishop of Jerusalem, Patriarch Michel Sabbah, sends a message on the occasion of Christmas from Bethlehem to Christians around the world, calling on them to support the Palestinian cause, and stressing the need to stop the genocide against the Palestinians.

The Palestinian Patriarch, Michel Sabbah, former Latin Archbishop of Jerusalem, sent a message to world public opinion from the cradle of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, through the “Palestine 100 Initiative” platform, on the occasion of Christmas this year, dedicating it to the Gaza Strip, which is suffering from aggression. A brutal Israeli attack that has been going on for more than two months.

Patriarch Sabbah said in the message: “Christmas this year, in Bethlehem and everywhere, is a prayer and an urgent supplication to God Almighty, to inspire the war leaders to stop the war in Gaza and in all of Palestine.”

He added: "These days, the eyes and hearts of many turn to Bethlehem, and they see the war on Gaza, which is an hour away from Bethlehem. There are people and human homes have become rubble, children are under rubble, and humanity is under rubble."

Patriarch Sabbah said, “This war is genocide, and the Palestinian Christian, especially when he sees the war on Gaza, knows that Christmas, this year, is not limited to Bethlehem, and must reach where every tortured human being is, especially in the land of Christmas. This year, he is going to Gaza, and to all parts of Palestine, where death is the master.” 

The Patriarch also called for an end to the genocide taking place against the Gaza Strip, appealing in his message to Christians around the world to gain their support in supporting the cause of Palestine and the Gaza Strip and working to stop the war.

The Patriarch stressed that “the Palestinian people deserve liberation, independence and peace,” calling for an examination of the root causes of this conflict. Pointing out that Gaza has witnessed many wars, as well as all Palestinian cities and villages.

He also saw that the war in Gaza “threatens us all, and exposes us to the same insecurity, destruction, and permanent death,” rejecting the “occupation, apartheid, forced displacement, and genocide” practiced by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people.

In the letter, the Patriarch criticized the United States’ absolute support for the war and its sending of weapons to “Israel,” saying: “It is time for life to replace death, and for the United States to stop sending weapons to Israel,” and for the solution to include “a just and final solution for all Palestinians and for the millions of scattered Palestinian refugees.” All over the world, and in refugee camps, including in the Gaza Strip.”

Patriarch Sabbah concluded his speech by wishing everyone a Christmas filled with holiness, humanity, and tranquility in Gaza and all the Holy Lands.