JERUSALEM, Apr 12, 02 (FIDES/CWNews.com) - The Franciscans of Bethlehem have issued a call to the world's Jewish people, asking them to urge Israel to ease a dangerous confrontation at the Church of the Nativity.
Specifically, the friars who are living inside the church, surrounded by Israeli troops, are asking for the restoration of their water and electrical utilities. The friars say that requests to Israeli military authorities have gone unheeded.
Franciscan spokesman Father David Jaeger Fides: "The friars cannot resign themselves to the consequences. This is why we rely on our "elder brothers" the Jews, and on the traditional goodwill between the Jews and the Franciscan family. We recall the heroism of Franciscans who saved many Jews from the Shoah, hiding them in numerous monasteries, including Assisi. Today we ask their help."
CWNews DAILY NEWS BRIEF © Copyright 2002 Domus Enterprises
12. april 2002