Paul Keenan‘Price Tag’ continues to target properties
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has expressed concern over ongoing attacks against Christin properties in the Holy Land.
With less than 10 days to go before the official visit of Pope Francis to the region, the Patriarchate has posted a message on its website both to decry the attacks, blamed on militant Jews who use the ‘price tag’ phrase when engaging in graffiti attacks, and to criticise a perceived lack of response from Israel’s political establishment.
“There has been terror for some time, beginning with graffiti, then moved on to drilling holes in the tyres of cars, various acts of vandalism and looting of properties or Christian symbols,” the Patriarchate points out. “Given the absence or weakness of prosecution, vandals have now come with personal threats.”
Referencing a recently published US report on the ‘Price Tag’ phenomenon, the Patriarchate further points out that the vast majority of “more than 400 cases” listed have gone unprosecuted.
“The bishops are very concerned about the lack of security and lack of responsiveness from the political sector, and fear an escalation of violence.”
The online message comes in the wake of the latest action against a Christian property in which the Office of the Assembly of Bishops, Notre Dame of Jerusalem was spray painted on May 5 with a message stating: “Death to Arabs and Christians and those who hate Israel.”
According to reports in Israeli media on the back of the Patriarchate’s statement, security services in the country are concerned about the potential for ‘Price Tag’ followers to exploit the Pope’s forthcoming visit by further targeting the Christian community during the trip.
“Heads of the Churches in the Holy Land are preparing a series of actions aimed at informing local and international public opinion, and to make the authorities and law officials aware of their responsibilities,” The Patriarchate concluded.