(ZENIT News / Jenin, Palestine, 09.13.2024).- On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made a heartfelt visit to the Latin parish of Jenin to show support and assess the extensive damage caused by a recent ten-day Israeli military operation. Accompanied by a delegation that included Monsignor William Shomali, the General Vicar, and Sami El-Yousef, Director General of the Patriarchate, the visit aimed to offer both solidarity and reassurance to a community grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
Upon arriving in Jenin, the cardinal was warmly welcomed by Father Amer Jubran, the parish priest of Jenin, alongside Father Labib Deibes, Father Elias Tabban, and Father Miguel Jiménez, representing surrounding parishes. Members of the local community, including scouts and parish council members, also gathered to greet the delegation. Father Amer, in his welcoming address, expressed deep gratitude for the visit, emphasizing the heavy toll the military operation had taken on the parish properties and the ongoing struggles of the faithful.
One of the key moments of the visit took place in the parish hall, where local parishioners shared their concerns, fears, and hopes for the future. Cardinal Pizzaballa addressed the gathering with words of encouragement: «I am here to stand with you, to remind you that you are not alone. These are trying times, but despair is not our path. We will rebuild these structures, and our spirit will remain strong.» His message underscored the resilience of the Christian community in Jenin and the importance of unity as they face significant challenges.
Father Elias also took the opportunity to highlight the pressing need for economic relief, pointing out that the destruction has further deepened financial hardships. He called for collaborative efforts between the Church and the local community to create job opportunities and secure a brighter future for younger generations.
The visit concluded with a somber walk through the streets surrounding the parish, where Cardinal Pizzaballa and his delegation witnessed firsthand the devastation left in the wake of the military operation. Buildings lay in ruins, and the scale of the destruction was a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region.
Despite the severity of the situation, the cardinal’s visit served as a beacon of hope, offering both spiritual and practical support to a community determined to rise from the ruins. His message was clear: the rebuilding process would not only be about restoring structures but about fostering resilience, unity, and faith in the face of adversity.
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