Latest news with #SacredSites
Reuters
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Clerics accuse West Bank settlers of attacking Christian sites
TAYBEH, West Bank, July 14 (Reuters) - Christian leaders accused Israeli settlers on Monday of attacking sacred sites in the West Bank, in violence that one said was forcing some to consider quitting the occupied territory. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III - visiting the Christian town of Taybeh with other Jerusalem-based clerics - said settlers had started a fire near a cemetery and a 5th century church there last week. "These actions are a direct and intentional threat to our local community ... but also to the historic and religious heritage," the patriarch told diplomats and journalists at a press conference in Taybeh. Settlers had also attacked homes in the area, he said. "We call for an immediate and transparent investigation on why the Israeli police did not respond to emergency calls from the local community and why these abhorrent actions continue to go unpunished," he added. Israel's government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Israel's government had previously said that any acts of violence by civilians are unacceptable and that individuals should not take the law into their own hands. During the visit, the heads of the churches led locals in prayer as candles flickered in the ruins of the 5th century church of St George. They spoke with residents who described their fears. B'Tselem and other rights groups say settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023. Dozens of Israelis have also been killed in Palestinian street attacks in recent years and the Israeli military has intensified raids across the West Bank. Palestinian health authorities and witnesses said two men, including a U.S. citizen, were killed by settlers during a confrontation on Friday night. Fears over violence were pushing Christians to leave the West Bank, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Roman Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, said. "Unfortunately, the temptation to emigrate is there because of the situation," he added. "This time it's very difficult to see how and when this will finish, and especially for the youth to talk about hope, trust for the future." Around 50,000 Christian Palestinians live in Jerusalem and in the West Bank, an area that includes many of the faith's most sacred sites including Bethlehem where believers say Jesus was born. Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war, which Palestinians see as part of a future state.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Preparations underway for Designer Show House at Kilmer Mansion
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – One of Greater Binghamton's most iconic estates is currently undergoing a one-of-a-kind transformation. Preparations for the Junior League of Binghamton's latest fundraiser are happening at Kilmer Mansion. The organization is hosting a Designer Show House at the mansion. Local designers and decorators are restoring the mansion, re-imagining what it would look like if the Kilmers still lived there. Some upgrades include carpeting, lighting, painting, and more. The mansion will be staged for the event, which will take place from June 3 to June 17. Show House Marketing Chair and Junior League Member Christina Olevano says the results will be unlike anything you've seen before. 'Whether you've been to the Kilmer Mansion and you've toured it before, like myself, or whether this would be your first time going through, it's just super exciting. It is going to be really a show,' said Olevano. Olevano says the permanent changes will help preserve and sustain the mansion for years to come. Funds raised during the Designer Show House will go to purchasing a food recovery and prepared meals truck for CHOW. There will be guided, private, and open house tours as well as several special events during the showcase. Tickets are on sale now. To purchase and learn more, visit Real Heroes Breakfast honors community members for their bravery UHS receives $3.9 million grant as it continues pursuit of nursing excellence Community prepares for 15th annual Sacred Sites tour NYS awards $86M to arts and culture nonprofits throughout state Local students awarded with Frank G. Paul Medal of Excellence Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
