Yesterday (05.01.23) Patriarch Theophilos III received the Israeli Police Commander of the Jerusalem District. The Commander requested the meeting in connection with the shameful crime of the desecration of more than 30 graves at the Protestant Cemetery on Mt Zion.
Patriarch Theophilos referred to the statement the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches issued on the matter and reiterated the unacceptability of these crimes and their infringement on the Status Quo. The Churches call on all sides to work together to end the increasing number of hate crimes against Christians in the Holy City and restore religious tolerance and safety in the Holy Land for all.