By Fr. Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Taybeh, Palestine
Taybeh is emblematic of Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people in ways few other places are. The village, thought to be the biblical Ephraim where Jesus once took refuge, is the last remaining all-Christian settlement in Palestine.
It has become the target of repeated attacks by Israeli settlers who, along with occupation forces, have killed over 1,100 Palestinians across the West Bank since October 2023. In July 2025, Fr. Bashar and his Orthodox and Melkite counterparts urged the international community to protect Taybeh. Their appeal fell on deaf ears; the attacks persisted. The priest testified to the worsening situation during a webinar organized by Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada in October 2025 and reiterated his call in June 2026.
Last month, the Government of Canada took note of the “unprecedented levels of settler violence and settlement expansion,” and joined 11 other Western countries in finally imposing sanctions that it said were intended “to prevent further damage.”
Unfortunately, as Fr. Bashar is forced to remind the world yet again, the damage is continuing.
Statement of concern
Olive harvest, land access and the families of Taybeh
Dear friends,
I write to you with sadness and growing concern for the people of Taybeh, our Christian village in the West Bank.
During this year’s olive harvest, many families have faced serious difficulties accessing their land. In some areas, olives have been stolen and trees damaged, reducing a harvest that is essential for the livelihood of our community.
For generations, olive trees have provided not only income, but also a deep connection to our history, our heritage, and the land on which our families have lived for centuries. The olive harvest is both an economic necessity and an important expression of our identity and perseverance.
This year, the losses have been particularly painful. Many families will produce far less olive oil than they need for their own households. Some who have spent their lives caring for these trees may now find themselves unable to rely on the fruits of their own land.
We are deeply concerned about the impact this situation will have on families who are already facing significant challenges. Every lost harvest places additional pressure on people striving to remain on their land and preserve their way of life.
We therefore ask for your solidarity and your prayers. Please help raise awareness of these difficulties and encourage all those with influence and responsibility to support the protection of farmers, ensure safe access to agricultural land, and help prevent further damage.
Your support, your voice, and your friendship are a source of encouragement. They remind the people of Taybeh that they are not forgotten and that they do not stand alone in these challenging times.
With gratitude and prayers,
Fr. Bashar Fawadleh
Latin Parish Priest of Taybeh
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem