The Historic Church and Decline of Visitors
Father, a priest at the Catholic Church in Taybeh, east of Ramallah, recalls that the church used to welcome more than 13,000 Christian visitors each year. Today, he says that illegal Israeli settler violence has left the town isolated and largely empty of visitors. According to biblical tradition, Jesus entered Al-Taybeh seeking refuge—a place of safety. Today, this place is no longer safe. The town is facing attacks and violence from people described as having no humanity, with what residents identify as the goal of displacing its residents.
Damage and Restoration Efforts
Months after the historic church was set on fire, restoration work has begun. However, fears of another attack continue to haunt residents. More than 16 square kilometers of land has been taken by settlers, and seven illegal settlement outposts now overlook the area. The situation has become so severe that even the mayor cannot reach some places within the town's territory. He asked journalists to use their camera to document the destruction left behind after one of the latest assaults.
Pattern of Repeated Attacks
The area has been under repeated attacks for two years. Residents describe incidents in which settlers bring sheep, cows, and even camels onto Palestinian land. Two days before this account was recorded, settlers came to a farmhouse, swam in the residents' well, stole all the agricultural equipment, and destroyed the beehives that were there. A scout leader in the town describes the impact on the younger generation: despite their determination to stay on their land, fear continues to overwhelm them. Scouting camps are supposed to take place in open spaces, but it has become dangerous to bring children to see the mountains because of the settlers. According to the scout leader, there is no safe space except the town center. Children are growing up before their time, knowing checkpoints, gunfire, and soldiers—"This is a tragedy," he says.
International Attention Without Resolution
During the last three years, dozens of foreign ambassadors and ministers have visited Taybeh, witnessing attacks affecting both Muslims and Christians in the town. Despite this international attention, residents say nothing has changed. Here, residents view the attacks as part of illegal Israeli settlement policies aimed at displacing Palestinians. Despite the lack of security and stability, they say staying on their land is a decision rooted in their deep connection to religion and the soil.