The following words of hope come from Bishop Riah Abo Al Assal – Anglican Palestinian bishop, and former Archbishop of Jerusalem. The pic from 2004 features (right to left) Bishop Riah, Mordechai Vanunu, Father Dave & Gideon Spiro 

“FEAR NOT … FOR HE IS RISEN”
Matthew 28:5-6

It took two words to calm the fears of the two Marys, and help them regain their confidence to proceed forward. What a surprise! The grave where they lad Him was empty. Mary’s encounter with Jesus, the RISEN from the dead, was so great to be true. Yet, it caused her to run, rather than withdraw, and share the good news with His disciples. “Fear fades when facts are faced”, so says Frank Tyger.

It takes guts to overcome fear. And FEAR is what we need to overcome in the LAND OF THE HOLY ONE, fear from the so-called enemy with who, we were predestined to live side by side. Fear is what we need to overcome if we are serious about peace-making, building bridges, mutual recognition, and reconciliation. Fear causes death; overcoming it brings life, and help both, not only to exists side by side but to excel in the art of CO-LIVING, and more. In becoming a blessing unto the nations around and beyond.

In as much as I believe in the RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, I do believe in the ultimate victory of PEACE between Israelis and Palestinians. And when PEACE comes to Jerusalem, peace will come to the whole world, and the joys of all who live in His land will reach beyond our boundaries to reach the whole world.

+Bishop Riah Abo El Assal

Easter 2025