West Bank parish priest calls for action to preserve Christian presence

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

The Palestinian village of Taybeh is facing the possible construction of a new Israeli settlers' outpost, prompting renewed concern for the future of the last entirely Christian Palestinian village in the West Bank. Parish priest Father Bashar Fawadleh warns that preserving the Holy Land requires "concrete action," not words alone.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Timothy Scott

Father Bashar is right — words aren't enough when a village like Taybeh is staring down another settler outpost. We've got to find some real, practical way to support those families so the last fully Christian town in the West Bank doesn't just disappear.

Olimbia Prifti

I was reading the news about Taybeh and that Father Bashar Fawadleh. Their village is the only one left completely Christian there, and if the new settlers come it will be very difficult for the families to stay. Concrete help is needed, not just words, as he says – perhaps some project for jobs or to keep young people there.

Світлана Мороз

Yes, Father Bashar is right, words will not help. People also come to us in Poltava when there is no work and peace, and in Taybekh there is also a new settlement nearby. How exactly can those families be supported specifically, does anyone know?

Γεωργία Βασιλείου

Yes, Father Bashar says it right, only words are not enough. Taipei is the last fully Christian village left there and if new settlers come in it will become very difficult for families to stay. Maybe our parish could send a little financial help for their children, like we did last year for Bethlehem.

Ірина Шевченко

Svetlana, Father Bashar really says what he is - without action, words are scattered. Here in Poltava, people are moving to other districts, but in Taibekh, leaving means that the village will simply disappear. Someone from acquaintances said that they accept donations for school buses and help families so that children do not drop out of school. And what do you think is more realistic — money for education or support for artisans?

Светлана Андреева

Father Bashar is right, words without deeds are worthless. In Yaroslavl, after services, we also collect money to help churches in Palestine, but I haven’t heard of school buses for Taibeh before. Maybe someone knows how to exactly transfer the donation there so that it reaches the families?

Соломія Коваленко

Svetlana, I agree that nothing will change without action. In Taybeh, they seem to help the most when they buy olive oil and wine directly from local Christian families - that way their income is kept at least a little. What do you think, should our parishes in Vinnytsia try such a direct purchase?

Παναγιώτης Χατζής

I agree, Georgia, words alone are not enough. Last year the help for Bethlehem was a good idea, but for Taipei maybe we should first ask Father Bashar what exactly the families there need before sending money. What do you say, should we propose it to the parish on Sunday?

Radu Gheorghiu

Yes, Father Bashar is right, words alone do not keep the village on its feet. I read that they want to build a new settler outpost right next to Taybeh and that they are getting school bus donations there for the kids to stay. Perhaps it would be good to ask the parish directly what concrete help best reaches the Christian families there.

Іван Коваленко

Yes, Solomia, the direct purchase of oil and wine is really what keeps people around. In our parish, they have already tried to take wine from monasteries, but no one has yet ordered from Taybekh. And do you know how exactly they send - by mail or through someone?

Леся Ткаченко

Yes, Solomia, buying directly from Taybeh families really helps more than just donations. In our parish, last year, they took olive oil from the monastery near Poltava — the quality is good and people know where the money goes. And have you already tried their wine, or only oil?

Sofía López

Father Bashar is right, words alone do not stop a new outpost next to Taybeh. Here in the parish we sometimes buy olive oil from the Holy Land for the cookies I make with my son, and I know that it reaches families directly. Does anyone know if they still sell Taybeh wine too?

Πέτρος Λαμπρόπουλος

Yes Georgia, Taipei is indeed the last such village and Father Bashar knows it inside out. Last year the help for Bethlehem went to school supplies, maybe here too we should start with something specific for the children, as long as we first find out what is missing the most. Do you have any idea what exactly we sent last year?

Maria Lungu

Yes, Radu, Father Bashar clearly says that we need deeds, not just words. I heard about those school bus donations in Taybeh too – they seem to keep the kids in the village. Do you think it would be better to send directly through the parish or through some organization from us in Romania?