May 19, 2008

“Where there is injustice, God's people must stand against it”

Rev. Roy Cooper, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland

In a courageous stand for peace and justice in the Holy Land leaders from Ireland's three main churches visited Bethlehem University on 30 April to speak with students about life under occupation, the peace process and the role of education in advancing the peace process.

Archbishop Alan Harper of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Rev. Roy Cooper, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, and Dr. John Finley, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, who were and still are very much involved in the peace process in Ireland, compared the two conflicts and said that education and dialogue is the most effective path to resolving the differences between the two sides.

Archbishop Harper was very keen to hear the students' stories. In referring to the conflict in Ireland , he said that people from the north and south didn't have a chance to meet one another; under these circumstances, “You can't build relationships on a human level,” he said.

Myrna Al Azzeh, a third year English major, and Tareq Shawan, a first year Computer and Information Systems major, took the opportunity to speak about how they feel about Israelis. “An Israeli for us is a soldier,” Myrna said. “We don't get to meet regular Israelis.”

Tareq added, “Sadly, we are treated by the Israelis in a way that makes the moderate Palestinians become less moderate and the extremists become more extreme.”

Archbishop Harper also emphasized the importance of education in helping each person to think creatively and deeply to search for solutions. Rev. Cooper agreed: “Education is the only way out for them.”

Myrna nodded, adding, “Education is the best way for us to resist.”

Dr. Finley went on to ask the students if they were discouraged by the lack of opportunity after college. Myrna explained that this is why they prefer to continue their education in hopes that their chances for a good job will increase.

Archbishop Harper expressed his pleasure to be able to speak to the students, but admitted, “We don't have any answers…Peace comes slowly…Don't give up hope. It is possible. It may not be tomorrow. Inshallah, peace will come.”

Following the tour, video and discussion Archbishop Harper, Rev. Cooper and Dr. Finley gave Bethlehem University students, faculty and staff the Celtic Cross of Commitment as a message of peace and solidarity from Ireland to Palestine .

The Irish church leaders also visited holy sites, churches and community leaders to express their concern for the plight of Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land as a result of the Israeli military occupation.