Tag Archive for Greek Orthodox Christians

Palestinian martyr-themed Christmas terrorist-tree for 2016 displayed in Jerusalem

 

Unlike the Arab Archbishop’s boss, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, who openly praised Israel’s protection of Christians, Atallah Hanna reveled around ‘hijacked’ Palestinian Christmas tree in East Jerusalem.

Israel Today Staff

 

A Christmas tree featuring photos of dozens of Palestinian terrorists killed while attacking Israeli Jews has been erected in eastern Jerusalem.

Until the past weekend, the tree had attracted many visitors, both Muslims and Christians. Among them was Archbishop of Sebastia Theodosios, better known as Atallah Hanna.

Theophilos & visitors with the 2016 martyr's Christmas tree in eastern Jerusalem. - Screenshot Israel TV2 News

Theophilos with visitors by the 2016 martyr’s Christmas tree in eastern Jerusalem. – Screenshot Israel TV2 News

Channel 2 News reported that Hanna told those gathered at the tree that it constituted a “Christmas message [from] the heart of Palestine – we are one nation defending one issue…standing firm and remaining in the Holy Land.” Continue Reading »

Jesus’ Tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Begins Historic Renovation

 

The Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches put aside their differences to engage in a $3.3 million project that will reinforce & preserve the Edicule, the ancient chamber housing Jesus’ tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

By the Associated Press & Israel Hayom Staff

 

A team of experts began a historic renovation on Monday at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was buried, overcoming long-standing religious rivalries to carry out the first repairs at the site in more than 200 years.

Christian nuns watch as experts begin renovation of Jesus’ tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, Monday – Photo: AP

The project is focused on reinforcing and preserving the Edicule — the ancient chamber housing Jesus’ tomb in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue Reading »

Greek Orthodox Church Sacks Priest who Supported Christian Arab IDF Enlistment

AFP reported Thursday that the Greek Orthodox church dismissed Father Gabriel Nadaf from his post in Nazareth without even bothering to summon him.

By Ari Yashar and Gil Ronen

 

An Israeli Arab Orthodox priest has reportedly been dismissed by the Greek Orthodox church in Israel, after publicly supporting IDF service for Christian Arabs.

PM Netanyahu meets Gabriel Nadaf, Aug. 2013 – Reuters

Church spokesman Essa Musleh told AFP on Thursday that the decision was made on Tuesday to fire Father Gabriel Nadaf from his post in Nazareth, and that the decision was only being made public now.

“We warned him before to keep to his priestly duties and not to interfere in matters of the army,” Musleh said.  Continue Reading »

IDF will Send Voluntarily ‘Draft Notices’ to Stimulate Christian Arab Recruitment

Reaching out to possible Christian recruits, Israel will be sending optional draft notices for IDF induction – a move with a significant political & social potential for better integration into Israeli society.

By Tova Dvorin

 

The push to increase the growing number of Christian Arab IDF recruits advanced Tuesday, after the IDF made a landmark decision to send out “voluntary draft notices” to Christian Arabs of recruitment age.

IDF soldiers – IDF Spokesperson’s Unit

Jewish Israeli teens receive their draft orders at the age of sixteen and a half, and are required by law to report to a local draft office to make arrangements for their IDF or National Service within a set time period after receiving the notice. Continue Reading »

Knesset: law past distinguishes between Christians and Arab Muslims

Nazareth Christian leader speaks about new law distinguishing between Christians and Arab Muslims. Christians Are No Longer to be ‘Arabs’

By Ryan Jones

 

Israel’s Knesset on Monday signed into law a bill that legally distinguishes between local Christians and the bulk of the Arabic-speaking population, which is primarily Muslim.

Christian Priest: Israel a Shining Example of Human Rights

Greek Orthodox priest, Father Gabriel Nadaf, spiritual head of the Israeli Christians Recruitment Forum

The stated goal of the law is to boost Christian employment rights by recognizing them as an independent minority, and thereby granting them separate representation on local councils and employment committees.

Israeli Arab (mostly Muslim) members of Knesset blasted the new law, insisting it would undermine Arab identity in the Holy Land. Continue Reading »

Israel’s Christian community divided on IDF enlistment campaign

 

Pre-Christmas military ceremony honoring contribution of Christian volunteers into the IDF highlights Jerusalem’s new push to recruit its minorities.

Arab enlistment opponents use intimidation & scare tactics against those who sign up.

Christian soldier: ‘We are held hostages’ of Muslim Arab community

By The Associated Press

Dozens of Israeli soldiers respectfully rose from their seats as the Israeli national anthem began playing. The recording of “Hatikva,” an ode to the Jewish yearning for the Land of Israel, wrapped up a ceremony, held in Hebrew, during which speakers thanked the troops and handed out awards.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

Continue Reading »

Greek Orthodox Priest: Israel is Shining Example of Human Rights

 

Arabic-speaking Christian Israelis say it’s wrong to demonize the Jewish state as being heartless toward its minorities.

By  Ryan Jones

 

 

The Israeli Zionist organization Im Tirtzu last week hosted the “Zionist Conference for Human Rights” in Tel Aviv. Among the invited speakers was Father Gabriel Nadaf, spiritual head of the Israeli Christians Recruitment Forum, a body that encourages young Arabic-speaking Israelis (they prefer to not be labeled as “Arabs”) to join the Israeli army and fully integrate with Israeli Jewish society.

In his address to the conference, Father Nadaf noted that “there are many regimes (in the region) that do not care about equal rights, they only care about catering to an elite that terrorizes the rest of the population, while brushing off the issue of human rights and dehumanizing others.” Continue Reading »

Son of Greek Orthodox priest who supports Israel & the IDF was attacked in Nazareth

 

No motive for attack on son has yet to be determined, but Father Nadaf has received his own death threats in the past.

By JPOST.COM STAFF

 

A 21-year-old Nazareth man is suspected in the attack of the son of a Greek Orthodox priest who supports enlistment of Christian youth in the IDF.
PM Binyamin Netanyahu meets Father Gabriel Nadaf, August 5, 2013. - Photo: Moshe Milner/GPO

PM Binyamin Netanyahu meets Father Gabriel Nadaf, August 5, 2013. – Photo: Moshe Milner/GPO

The attack occurred in Nazareth last night where the priest’s 17 year-old son was allegedly attacked by the suspect with a rod, according to Channel Two.

The youth suffered bruising to much of his body and was sent to the English Hospital in the city. Continue Reading »

Israeli Newspaper: Must Protect local Christian ‘Arabs’ With Our Lives

 

Israeli media is slowly but increasingly taking notice of a growing group of local Christians distancing themselves as ‘Arabs’, & identifying with the Jewish state.

By Israel Today Staff

 

 

Israel’s largest daily circulation newspaper, Israel Hayom, carried in its weekend edition a moving story regarding the growing group of “Arab” Christians from northern Israel who are increasingly identifying with the Jewish state.

Jubrail (Gabriel) Nadaf a 39-year-old Arab Christian priest – Photo: Michel Dot Com

Jubrail (Gabriel) Nadaf a 39-year-old Greek Orthodox priest                         – Photo: Michel Dot Com

The newspaper was covering a conference where Greek Orthodox priest Father Gabriel Nadaf reiterated his position that “Jews and Christians are of the same covenant.” Continue Reading »

Christian Priest: ‘We Want to Defend Israel’

 

In a meeting with Netanyahu, Father Gabriel reaffirms his commitment to Christian Arab integration into Israeli society.

Arab Muslim MKs have condemned Father Gabriel, calling him “an agent of Zionism who seeks to divide Arabs.”

By David Lev

 

 

In the face of severe opposition – some would say persecution – by the leaders of his church, Father Gabriel Nadaf, a Greek Orthodox priest from Nazareth and spiritual leader of a forum for the enlistment of Christian youth in the IDF, continues to advocate for a strong connection among Arab Christians with the State of Israel.

PM Netanyahu meets Gabriel Nadaf, Aug.

Continue Reading »

Israeli Arab Priest: Our future is with Israel

Prior to being silenced by his Church’s hierarchy, Nazareth clergyman informs Israelis that many Arab Christians seek a closer relationship with the Jewish State.

By Ryan Jones

 

Father Gabriel Nadaf, an Arab Christian priest from the area of Nazareth, told Israeli media a week ago that the future of Arab Christians is in becoming one with the Jewish state.

Jubrail (Gabriel) Nadaf a 39-year-old Arab Christian priest – Photo: Michel Dot Com(

Israel Today has several times in recent months reported on the activities of Father Nadaf and a growing movement in Nazareth to encourage young Arab Christians to join the Israeli army and fully integrate into Israeli society. Continue Reading »

Christian Arabs say Israel only country worth fighting for

So, what has Israel’s Muslim Arab Knesset members so upset?

Growing number of Christian Arab youth are joining the Israeli army, openly identifying with the Jewish state.

By Ryan Jones

 

Arab Christian residents of Nazareth who proudly serve in the Israeli army and encourage their children to do the same are coming under increasing attack, and Israel is starting to take notice and come to their aid.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F.

Elinor Joseph, was born 1991 into a Christian family from the Arab village of Jish, is the first Arab woman ever to serve in a combat role in the I.D.F. – Photo courtesy IDF Spokesperson Office.

Continue Reading »

Muslim Arab MKs to be questioned on suspicion of incitement against Christian Arabs

 

Attorney general gave police ‘OK’ to open investigation based on claims that Arab MKs incited against the Reverend Jubrail Nadaf who supports & encourages Christian teens to enlist in the IDF or National Service.

By Moran Azulay

Arab Knesset members will be questioned on suspicion of incitement against a religious leader who encouraged Christian teens to enlist in the army, Ynet learned Wednesday.

Jubrail Nadaf a 39-year-old Arab Christian priest – Photo: Michel Dot Com

Speaking at a Knesset committee meeting, a police representative revealed that Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein has given police a green light to question MKs on suspicion of inciting against Reverend Jubrail Nadaf. Continue Reading »

Arab Christians seek partnership demanding equal rights & equal duties

 

Arab Priest Gavriel (Jubrail) Nadaf is being persecuted by the Arab-Israeli political establishment for advocating an equal sharing of the burden amongst his Christian flock: “We want to connect with Jewish society in Israel,” he said. “We feel secure in Israel.”

By Daniel Siryoti

 

“We want young Christians to become totally integrated into Israeli society, which also entails shouldering their fair share of the burden of national service. Our future as a Christian minority is intertwined with that of the State of Israel. We want to give more to society and to contribute our share just like others do,” says Gavriel Nadaf, a 39-year-old Arab Christian priest who is being persecuted by the Arab Israeli establishment.

Continue Reading »