The Christmas tree and Nativity Grotto at the Holy Redeemer Church of Jenin in the West Bank were destroyed in an arson attack early Monday, at approximately 3:00 a.m., church officials announced.
Father Amer Jubran, pastor of the church, condemned the attack on behalf of the parishioners of the Latin Monastery of Jenin in a Facebook post, calling it a “deliberate and fabricated act carried out by outlaws” and “shameful and reprehensible.”
He said the attack “has no connection whatsoever to our authentic Palestinian and Christian culture, which is founded on love, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.”
Jubran emphasized that “such individual acts do not reflect the values and morals of the people of Jenin, nor do they affect its firmly established national and human unity.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Jenin, Kamal Abu Al-Rub, as well as officials, community institutions, and “all the people of the city, for their sincere and responsible solidarity with the people in this painful circumstance.”
The attack 'does not represent the Palestinian culture'
In response to the arson, the Jenin Governorate held an emergency meeting with local priests and security officials.
Officials posted on Facebook stating that the attack “only serves the agendas of the occupation, to sow discord and division among the people of one nation” and stressed that it “does not represent the Palestinian culture and awareness that believes in partnership and acceptance of others.”
The governorate, security personnel, Fatah representatives, and religious leaders also conducted an inspection of the church and assisted in cleaning up debris. Authorities described the incident as isolated and rejected any suggestion that it reflects local community values.