October 11, 2012
"Muslims and Christians exist in this land as its original citizens and not as guests, and who thinks that such crimes will lead any of us to leave, will be completely wrong," Said the Patriarch, "We are convinced of our existence, and we have the right to resist and defend our land, and to preserve our religious and civilization in the holy lands."
These statements were issued in light of the Israeli continuous violations on the Christian and Muslim holy places, and the last attack was on the Romanian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.
The Patriarchate also announced in its statement that it will increase the construction of churches in every spot in the West Bank based on the available potentials.
The Patriarch condemns the Israeli dangerous attacks that target the Islamic-Christian existence in the holy land.