Rev. Ashraf Tannous Highlights Plight of Palestinians in Belfast

During a recent gathering at a church in East Belfast, Rev. Ashraf Tannous addressed the audience with a poignant message about the struggles faced by Palestinians. Standing at the forefront of the congregation, he implored listeners to recognize the humanity in each individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. His speech was a call to acknowledge the deep injustices faced by his community, shaped by his identity as a Palestinian and a pastor of the Lutheran Bethlehem Christmas Church.

Humanity Amidst Struggle

Rev. Tannous articulated the shared experience of suffering, drawing parallels between his own narrative and those of others who have faced dehumanization. He evoked the words of historical figures, referencing the struggles of marginalized communities and the urgent need for empathy. “Am I not also human?” he asked, challenging the audience to reflect on their role in recognizing the dignity of all individuals.

He highlighted the oppressive conditions in the West Bank, detailing the daily indignities faced by Palestinians living under military law. “If you raise your voice, you might be seen as a threat,” he explained, describing the anxiety and fear that permeates everyday life. With more than 1,200 new gates installed in the region since October 2023, the population experiences a form of economic strangulation, which he termed “silent starvation.”

Addressing Systemic Issues

Rev. Tannous spoke of the broader implications of these struggles, describing a scenario where life becomes so unbearable that people feel compelled to leave their homes. Over the past two years, approximately 150 Christian families from Bethlehem have made the difficult decision to emigrate, seeking a life free from oppression. He referred to this situation as a silent genocide, as ancient olive trees are uprooted and communities face violence from settler attacks.

As he presented a series of maps illustrating the shrinking Palestinian territories—from the 1948 Nakba to the 1967 war—he underscored the historical context of the current crisis. Rev. Tannous emphasized that rights in Israel and Palestine are often contingent upon the tragedies experienced by different groups, with the Holocaust overshadowing other narratives of suffering.

Despite the increasing visibility of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Rev. Tannous noted that the response from global leaders often falls short. “Our governing echelons remain reluctant to name the crime and hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said, expressing frustration over the ongoing disregard for human rights.

In a world where empires act with impunity, he urged those present to bear witness to the suffering and to advocate for change. “It is better to speak out and support communities while we still can,” he declared, encouraging individuals to connect with organizations like Christians4Palestine, which aims to foster support between local churches and West Bank communities.

For those interested in learning more about how to assist, further information can be found on the Christians4Palestine website or by reaching out via email.

Rev. Ashraf Tannous’s compelling address serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians and the importance of solidarity in the quest for justice and recognition of shared humanity.