Catholic and Orthodox Leaders Denounce Israeli Settler Violence

In this episode, I cover the alarming statements made by top Church leaders in the Holy Land regarding escalating settler violence against the only entirely Christian Palestinian village left in the occupied West Bank—Taybeh. Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the village in a rare show of solidarity, denouncing recent attacks and accusing Israeli authorities of enabling and facilitating the settlers’ presence. We’ll discuss the shocking incident of fires being set near Taybeh’s church, the failure of emergency response, and disturbing reports of settlers burning homes, grazing cattle on Palestinian land, and threatening residents with signs reading “there is no future for you here.” We also explore how the broader context of war in Gaza has fueled lawlessness and violence in the West Bank—creating a dangerous environment for both Palestinians and Israelis, and especially for vulnerable Christian communities. Join me as I examine the Church’s response, the implications of these developments, and what it means for Christians in the Holy Land today.