JACK HOSH
Bethlehem
"Bethlehem is sad. The city of our Lord Jesus Christ has never experienced such a situation. We feel discouraged, there is the travel ban... everything is paralyzed. We ask the Lord's mercy for the whole world."
After twenty days, the closure imposed on the city of Bethlehem and its inhabitants due to the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic was extended to all cities and villages in the West Bank. The number of people infected in Palestine is 115, 18 of whom have recovered while the others are undergoing treatment.
F ISSA THALJIEH
Greek Orthodox parish priest – Bethlehem
"In this holy time of Lent we raise our prayers to the Lord, right here before the Church of the Nativity, which is currently closed; we trust that the Almighty God will give us strength, patience and hope. The Psalm says: "Entrust your life to the Lord, trust in him and he will act". (Psalm 37:5), while in the first letter of St. Peter's we read the invitation to pour out "all your worries on Him, because He cares for you." Therefore, when we turn our worries to God, He is charged with all our burdens, our ills, our pains, our sicknesses, and He gives us comfort, peace, hope and security."
RA’ID HABIB
Imam Mosque "Umar ibn al-Khattab" – Bethlehem
"Let us raise our hearts and hands to God, so that the Lord God Almighty may show us His mercy and remove this pandemic from our people and the whole world, so that we can be saved. We hope that this land and planet will be given protection, peace and justice."
Faced with this virus, the Palestinian Authority has taken precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic by closing schools, universities, churches and mosques, and banning travel between different governorships and between cities. All Palestinian people are now under mandatory quarantine and all commercial activities are closed.
RA’ID HABIB
Imam Mosque "Umar ibn al-Khattab" – Bethlehem
"This mosque was only closed during the siege, when the Church of the Nativity was surrounded by Israeli forces for forty days. This is the second time this has happened. However, this is not the only mosque closed: all mosques in the West Bank are also closed, even the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem; the Prophet's Mosque and the Holy Mosque are closed. I, as Imam, have the key to this mosque with me, but I haven't been here for 17 days."
The Palestinian Health Minister, Dr May Keileh, announced the recovery of 18 people infected with the Coronavirus in the city of Bethlehem: they were among the first recorded cases in the West Bank. They were allowed to return home to their families, but remained in quarantine for 14 days, in accordance with international medical procedures.
JACK HOSH
Bethlehem
"Bethlehem will be protected by God and His son, Jesus Christ our Lord. From Bethlehem we send our Italian brothers and sisters, afflicted by grief, our condolences and ask God to help them in this difficult time."
Prayers continue unceasingly, in the constant search for God's mercy and grace, with the certainty that they will be received!
