Hope Holds Firm in Jenin After Christmas Tree Attack
Days before Christmas, the Christian community in Jenin in the West Bank faced a painful reminder of its vulnerability when the Christmas tree at the Church of the Holy Redeemer was set on fire in an act of vandalism. The incident occurred at a moment when local Christians were beginning to reclaim public expressions of faith after years marked by restrictions, tension, and fear. Rather than retreating, the parish and wider community chose a visible response rooted in resilience. Within twenty four hours, a new Christmas tree was inaugurated, accompanied by prayers and the presence of church leaders and local representatives. The decision carried symbolic weight, signaling that intimidation would not define the season. In a region shaped by political pressure and social fragility, the restoration of the tree became a quiet act of witness. It reflected a determination to protect both religious identity and communal dignity at a time meant to celebrate light, peace, and shared humanity.
Responding to the incident, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, described the attack as a heavy shadow cast over the joy of Christmas. He strongly condemned the act, stressing that the diverse religious communities of the region are called to live as brothers and sisters. While rejecting the violence and the ideologies behind it, he emphasized that such actions would not be allowed to steal the deeper joy that sustains the faithful. His remarks highlighted the shared nature of Christmas in the Holy Land, where Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and other believers often celebrate together and where even non Christians recognize the cultural and spiritual significance of the season. For Archbishop Yllana, the refusal to surrender joy was itself an act of moral resistance, affirming that faith rooted in peace cannot be extinguished by fear or hostility.
The renewed tree was blessed in the presence of Bishop William Shomali, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reinforcing the message that hope remains tangible for local communities. Archbishop Yllana spoke of hope not as an abstract idea but as something lived daily by families who endure uncertainty yet continue to gather, celebrate, and believe. He noted that Christmas in the Holy Land carries a message that resonates beyond Christianity, reminding all people that they are not abandoned. Even in moments of provocation, he called for prayer for those responsible, expressing confidence that witness through peace could inspire change. In Jenin, the rebuilt Christmas tree now stands as a sign that joy can reemerge quickly, even after violence, and that the spirit of Christmas continues to offer a quiet but firm answer to division.
