What’s this all about?
March 19, 2011, 9:30 pm
Posted by Margaret O'Brien Steinfels
Any CWLer know what this signifies? “The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate sold most of its leasing rights to large swaths of Jerusalem to a group of Jewish investors last week. The NIS 80 million agreement puts an end to the long draw-out land affair – at least for the next 140 years.”
Here at Ha’aretz
Money.
Well, okay. But what else?
Just based on the Haaretz story, it sounds like the issue is whether the Palestinians will be able to gain rights to the land at any time or under any circumstances. I agree there must be more there.
The Ha’aretz article is very confusing, but like Margaret I suspect that there is much more behind this. For one thing, “Greek Orthodox” in this context means “Arab Orthodox”, mostly Palestinian. One suspects they need the money. However, it is well known that various Israeli interests have been trying to buy out other Christian groups, notably the Armenians in Jerusalem. This deal is likely part of the same kind of effort.
Israel is faced with a continuing dilemma: Is it a modern multi-ethnic democracy, or is it something bordering on a secular theocracy for Jews alone? (as crazy as that description sounds).
All in all, this probably does not bode well for the future.
Ten years ago (2001), it was my good fortune to share in a pilgrimage to Israel. We were a group of 25 Capuchin-Franciscan brothers and priests. It was a profound experience. During our 12 day pilgrimage, we became more aware of the “troubles”, “frictions” existing in Israel. Even to this day the relations and schemes are very convoluted. My first question is there another solution to the financial dilemma of the Greek Orthodox Church? Why play into the hands of a group, who wants to reject the legitimate presence of other people and other religions? There has to be a better solution. Frequently I pray for the people of Israel, especially the Palestinian Catholics.
The late Ariel Sharon was concerned about the rapid decline in this population. He saw them as a possible bridge between the two belligerents.
Greek Orthodox means exactly that. The Patriarchate has no Palestians in its leadership. Palestians were not admitted to the monastc life for fear they one would be chosen as a bishop. Many Palestian Orthodox have become Latins because of this state of things. The Patriarchate is – how put this charitably – not a model of moral probity.