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January 25, 2007
Bethlehem Christians In Fear Of Muslim Neighbors
Topics: Understanding IslamIncreased attacks on Christians by Muslims over the past few months have resulted in Christians breaking their silence. According to the families, many Christians have long been afraid to complain in public about the campaign of "intimidation" for fear of retaliation by their Muslim neighbors and being branded "collaborators" with Israel.
"The situation is very dangerous," said Samir Qumsiyeh, owner of the Beit Sahur-based private Al-Mahd (Nativity) TV station. "I believe that 15 years from now there will be no Christians left in Bethlehem. Then you will need a torch to find a Christian here. This is a very sad situation."More at the Jerusalem Post ...Qumsiyeh, one of the few Christians willing to speak about the harsh conditions of their community, has been the subject of numerous death threats. His house was recently attacked with fire-bombs, but no one was hurt.
The families said they wrote letters to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican, Church leaders and European governments complaining about the attacks, but their appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
Qumsiyeh said he has documented more than 160 incidents of attacks on Christians in the area in recent years.
Related: History Being Rewritten In Nazareth - The Islamic Movement, Muslims, Mosques
Christians and tourists hid behind shutters as Islamic Movement leaders marched down Nazareth's main street, hoisting their party's green flag. Young Muslim men decked out in battle gear paraded and beat drums as a loudspeaker blared out the words in Arabic, "Allah is great."More ...Hundreds of activists screamed out Islamist epithets, including "Islam is the only truth" and "Islam shall rule all."
At one point the marchers confronted three Christian shopkeepers, but stopped short before taking the confrontation further.
Tens of thousands of cheering Muslims flooded the streets to watch as the parade passed along.
Christian teenagers subjected to torture
Posted by Richard at January 25, 2007 7:48 PM
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