Update from Zababda
Fr. Firas recently shared an update on the increasingly difficult situation facing the community in Zababda.
New settlements near Zababda and growing restrictions on movement are making daily life increasingly difficult. Fr. Firas reports that settlers have stopped people traveling along the road to Jenin, taking them out of their cars, questioning them, and making them kneel before allowing them to continue. He has now stopped using this road himself except when absolutely necessary.
Last Sunday, after leading the liturgy for the small Melkite community in Nablus, Fr. Firas found the gate on his usual route home closed by the Israeli army. Another route remained open, but he was told that people were being stopped and questioned and that young people were being arrested. His only remaining option was to travel through Tubas, turning what would normally be a 40-minute journey into a two-hour trip. These restrictions are especially challenging amid shortages of benzine for cars.
The economic situation is also becoming increasingly desperate. Fr. Firas says young people are talking about leaving in search of work and freedom, while many families no longer have enough money for food and water.
He shared the story of an elderly man who recently came to him asking for help purchasing medicine. When Fr. Firas asked whether his five married sons could help him, the man explained that they did not have enough money to feed their own families. Fr. Firas promised to help him when he receives his next monthly salary.
Amid these tremendous challenges, there are still moments of joy and hope. Fr. Firas recently joined a children’s activity and later took the children to a swimming pool. Watching them play and swim brought him to tears.
“I cried because I felt I was stronger than the storm. I never lose hope.”
Please continue to pray for Fr. Firas, his ministry, and the people of Zababda—and for a just peace and freedom.
“May God change the hearts of the leaders to build peace, not walls and settlements.”
— Abouna Firas
Photo: Caravan of Zababda residents. Source: fb
