Bishop Berardi describes the climate of tensions and concern among people, surprised by Iran’s response to the Israeli-American attack. From travel, celebrations, and migrant workers, a climate of uncertainty prevails, combined with the fear that water will be affected. Below the surface, relations between Shias and Sunnis remain tense, while relations between Christians and Muslims are strong. The Abraham Accords are in crisis.
Over 400 soon-to-be-weds, migrant workers in various countries across the region, are unable to return home and tie the knot due to the suspension of flights. Families are in despair, having completed their preparations yet facing an uncertain future. Some are considering video calls for an ‘alternative’ ceremony, but weddings are not merely a personal choice but community events woven into the social and economic fabric.
In AsiaNews, Fr Ielpo describes the run-up to Easter amidst the war in the Gulf and the closure of the holy sites. He condemns the violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank: “Serious acts against people who want to live in peace”. His account of southern Lebanon, which he has just visited. Prayer as an ‘essential’ path to a peace ‘that comes from above’. An appeal to Christians worldwide to ‘carry this yet another cross together’.
The Turkish government is ready to invest up to US$ 100 billion to build eight new reactors over the next 10 years. Projects are being considered with several global partners, from Russia and China to Canada and South Korea. The country has been barely touched by the war so far, but the upcoming July NATO summit could provide an opportunity to rethink its place in the Alliance. Meanwhile, the conflict has had consequences for travel and tourism.
Whilst Hezbollah continues to drag the whole of Lebanon into its “final battle” with Israel, dividing politics and society, the Christian villages of the South are clinging to their land. Over 20% of the country’s total population is now displaced. Whilst direct clashes are reported between militiamen from the pro-Iranian party and the Israeli army in Khyam, “exploratory” talks continue for a diplomatic solution between the Land of the Cedars and the Jewish state.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Bishop Nahra describes the closure of sacred places as “a form of death that people are experiencing.” From COVID-19 to Gaza and the Iran war, a picture of a perpetual “pandemic” emerges. This is impacting children while critical issues remain within Israeli society, especially in the Arab community, torn by violence and murders. In parishes people want to come to church and pray, many of them young. In Israel, there has been “widespread damage,” but “it’s not widely discussed.” Some 80 Jewish and Arab groups sign an open letter for peace.
