Patriarch Fouad Twal, the leader of Jerusalem’s Catholic community has admitted it is becoming harder for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist and easier to “demonise” each other, against a backdrop of constant conflict and distrust.
“An entire generation of Israelis and Palestinians grew up witnessing and experiencing violence, occupation, separation and hatred,” he said.
“There have been fewer and less opportunities to interact, and a heightened suspicion and apprehension on both sides persist.
“It is harder to forgive and strenuous to start a constructive dialogue,” he added.
Speaking at a conference on the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land held in London, Patriarch Twal mentioned that youth in particular were suffering as a result of the conflict and that hope was being “shattered”.
He fears that the possibilities for a just solution were “rapidly decreasing”, while extremist forces were gaining more and more followers.
The Patriarch also challenged Western Christians to “connect and be in communion with” Christians in the Holy Land and to “come and see” the situation for themselves.
“Share in their joys and suffering, bear their burdens with them, reflect and consider your responsibility towards your mother church,” he added.
“The Christian presence is threatened by virtual extinction, and the land of Jesus cannot become an equivalent of a spiritual Disneyland with beautiful buildings, historic sites and museums on display,” he said.
“All people - Jews, Christians and Muslims suffer the consequences of the conflict. Occupation is a terrible image for any democratic State, as it is horrible for the people of the occupied areas, where hatred and aversion are fostered and nurtured.
“We are aware of the persecution and suffering of our Christians in some Muslim countries in the region, but this is not an excuse to forget the dire reality of our situation in the Holy Land.”