Despite the war rocking the Middle East, Bishop William Shomali, auxiliary bishop of Jerusalem, was able to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Laus in France for the Solemnity of the Ascension. He kindly agreed to an interview.
“Humanly speaking, peace isn’t possible, because the conflict is ideological in nature, where each side excludes the other,” he told Aleteia. “It’s like a dialogue of the deaf. Everyone speaks, but nobody listens to the other, without understanding or sympathizing with the other’s suffering.”
Attacks, intimidation, and the closure of holy sites ... The situation is harsh. While forgiveness and reconciliation are “easy words to say,” they remain “difficult to live out in the Holy Land,” the prelate humbly pointed out.
How, then, can anyone continue to hope when violence and hatred seem to sweep everything away? For Christians in the Holy Land, the answer starts with faith.
Invited to the Shrine of Our Lady of Laus, Bishop Shomali celebrated the Ascension Mass before a fervent congregation of some 700 people. It was a true grace for the shrine, a member of the local Diocese of Gap explained: “Bishop Shomali’s providential visit to teach us about peace offers a magnificent opening for our upcoming symposium, ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers,’ which will be held from June 26 to 28.”
Despite what he calls a “return to the Stone Age,” as living conditions have become so difficult, the bishop bears witness to the hope of a people — a hope rooted in prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the intercession of the Virgin Mary. This faith sustains them and nourishes an unshakeable certainty: “All these prayers will one day bear fruit. God is still at work.”
Faith amid a “return to the Stone Age”
What does it mean to be a Christian in the Holy Land on a daily basis today?
Bishop William Shomali: It means accepting to live in the Holy Land and fleeing the temptation to leave. It means trying to better accept the other, and also accepting forgiveness and reconciliation.
These are easy words to say, but they’re difficult to live out in the Holy Land. On a daily basis, it really depends on which region we’re talking about. In Gaza, life is hellish. There’s a lack of food, money, and work. The promised reconstruction of Gaza hasn’t started yet, and they’re returning to the Stone Age.
In the Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank, the situation is worsened by the actions of settlers. There’s also high unemployment, as there are no longer work permits in Israel. Pilgrimages have been halted. The future isn't clear, people are afraid, and there's a strong temptation to leave in search of a more secure future.
Do you sense discouragement among your faithful, or are there signs of hope?
Bishop Shomali: It’s paradoxical. In Gaza, the situation is extremely dire, yet Christians go to pray every day in Eucharistic adoration. They’re resilient and strong. The Christians who come to church and pray receive a lot of strength; the others can become depressed. So, faith is an element that makes a massive difference.
Standing against hatred
Is there an increase in intimidation and attacks against Christians in Jerusalem?
Bishop Shomali: Yes. Attacks against Christians have always existed, but there’s been a gradual increase. It started with spitting, especially during processions. There’s been anti-Christian graffiti, attempted arson at two or three monasteries, and recently, a physical attack against a nun.
The attacker cowardly came up from behind her. It was attempted murder, because he used all his strength. When he saw that she was still moving, he went back to finish the job. She wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for the help of a more compassionate Jewish man who stepped in to defend her.
Violence is tied to hatred — a hatred for anything that isn't Jewish. But all is not lost; there are still people we can dialogue with. We're a minority that doesn't believe in violence, and that is our vocation as Christians in the Middle East.
Is peace in the Holy Land possible from a human perspective?
Bishop Shomali: Humanly speaking, peace isn’t possible, because the conflict is ideological in nature, where each side excludes the other. It’s like a dialogue of the deaf. Everyone speaks, but nobody listens to the other, without understanding or sympathizing with the other's suffering. Everyone claims ownership of this land.
Even so, sometimes even the most difficult wars find a solution. So, as Christians, we believe — and this is our hope — that God is a protagonist in human history and that prayer can bear unexpected fruit.
Take the reunification of Germany, for example, which seemed almost impossible. It proves that these kinds of miracles are always possible. We know there are millions of people praying for peace; all these prayers will one day bear fruit.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
Is there a Bible verse that you personally turn to during these painful times?
Bishop Shomali: It’s the motto on my episcopal coat of arms: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” It’s a verse I repeat often and say in front of others: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
You are currently at Our Lady of Laus. Between this Marian shrine and Jerusalem, do you see the same call from Mary for peace and reconciliation?
Bishop Shomali: Mary has always called for peace. During her apparitions, she constantly repeats the importance of penance, conversion, and prayer. The Blessed Virgin wants peace. And in this month of May dedicated to her, we pray the Rosary for her intentions.
