11 Uhr: Festgottesdienst in der Französischen Friedrichstadtkirche, Berlin-Mitte Predigt: Dr. Imad Haddad, Bischof der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Jordanien und im Heiligen Land (ELCJHL)
13 Uhr: Empfang im Kaiserin-Friedrich-Haus, Berlin-Mitte, anschließender Imbiß
14 bis 16.30 Uhr: Festnachmittag im Kaiserin-Friedrich-Haus, Berlin-Mitte Vorträge und Gespräche zum Thema „Zwischen Verzweiflung und Hoffnung – Zur Situation der palästinensischen Christinnen und Christen“ mit:
Bischof Dr. Imad Haddad (ELCJHL)
Daoud Nassar (Tent of Nations)
Marc Frings (Generalsekretär des Zentralkomitees der deutschen Katholiken, ehemaliger Leiter der Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Ramallah)
Andreas Goetze ist gerade von einer 10-tägigen Reise aus Jerusalem zurückgekommen und bringt nach zahlreichen Begegnungen ganz aktuell Eindrücke mit. Einblicke in den Nah-Ost-Konflikt differenziert und ohne „Schwarz-Weiß-Muster. Wie ist die Situation vor Ort im Angesicht der Iran-Krise, der Siedler-Gewalt in der Westbank, der ungeklärten Lage im Gaza-Streifen, dem zunehmenden religiösen Nationalismus? Welche Perspektiven sehen Juden, Christen und Muslime?
Pfarrer Dr. Andreas Goetze ist Referent für den interreligiösen Dialog (Schwerpunkt Islam und Christ*innen im Mittleren Osten) im Zentrum Ökumene der EKHN und EKKW in Frankfurt a.M. Seit über 30 Jahren spiritueller Reiseleiter im Heiligen Land und fast jährlich vor Ort. Er war Vikar in Jerusalem und ist verbunden mit vielen Menschen in Israel/ Palästina (Juden, Christen sowie Muslimen).
Veranstalter: Zentrum Ökumene der EKHN und EKKW in Kooperation mit der Katholischen Erwachsenenbildung im Bistum Limburg (KEB Diözesan-Bildungswerk) und dem Religionspädagogisches Institut der EKKW und EKHN
In einer Rede in Rom hat der Lateinische Patriarch von Jerusalem, Pierbattista Kardinal Pizzaballa, die tiefe Zerrissenheit zwischen Israelis und Palästinensern geschildert. Frieden und Versöhnung drohten zu leeren „Slogans“ zu werden, wenn sie nicht durch sichtbare Zeichen und mutige politische Visionen untermauert würden…
Ein Bericht auf Radio Vatican – (Redetext noch nicht auffindbar, Auszüge hier [ICN])
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Daszu ein Interview Seiner Eminenz auf ilsole24ore:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [Greek: martyrōn], let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith . . . (Hebrews 12:1–2a)
During these continuing times of hardship and strife throughout our region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, remain resolute in proclaiming and affirming to both our communities and the faithful around the world the message of hope revealed in Christ’s Incarnation and Holy Nativity in Bethlehem more than two millennia ago.
For in similarly difficult times, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to shepherds of that region, beseeching them to cast aside their fears. “For behold,” said the angel, “I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).
It was in kneeling before the manger in that sacred cave that the shepherds first witnessed God’s gracious gift of love. They beheld “Immanuel,” “God-with-us” (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14)—a divine Savior who “emptied himself, taking on the form of a slave, being born in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7).
In his great compassion for us, the Almighty deigned to take on our flesh and blood: to live among us and feel our pain; to later preach a message of repentance and God’s redemption for all people; and to serve the downtrodden and afflicted before finally offering up his life on our behalf, that we might be raised with him to new life through faith in God’s gracious act of love (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:6).
While this year we rejoice that a ceasefire has allowed many of our communities to more publicly celebrate the joys of Christmas, we nevertheless pay heed to the Prophet Jeremiah’s warning against those saying “‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). For we are fully aware that, despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury. Many more have experienced violent assaults against themselves, their properties, and their freedoms—not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighboring countries.
We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, following in the example of our Lord in His Incarnation, continue to stand in solidarity with all those who are suffering and downcast, and we call upon Christians and others of goodwill around the world to persevere in praying and advocating for a true and just peace in the homeland of our Lord’s birth—and, indeed, throughout the earth.
For those facing these afflictions, we recall from the Epistle to the Hebrews how many of the faithful over the centuries stood firm in faith through extreme hardships (Hebrews 11) and how Christ himself serves as the wellspring of our devotion to God (Hebrews 12:1–2a, above). We therefore encourage you to look to Him for your spiritual strength, even as the larger Body of Christ seeks to relieve your suffering and to strengthen you in your resolve to persevere in the Lord’s work.
It is with these many sentiments that we extend our Christmas greetings to our congregations and to Christians around the world, wishing you and your loved ones the joy and peace that comes from encountering the boundless love of God made more fully manifest in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
—The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem
An ecumenical witness for equality and a just peace in Palestine/Israel
Jerusalem, 20. Dezember 2025 | A Christmas Message – 2025
The cities of the Holy Land are adorned with lights and trees during this Christmas season, and markets and festivals abound, spreading a festive atmosphere. Many of us participate in these gatherings, as if we are thirsting for life after witnessing death and destruction over the past two years. Joy radiates from the faces of children and adults alike, in the carols and hymns, and in the markets and gifts.
We must ask: How can we celebrate while our people in Gaza are still suffering the effects of war, destruction, genocide and now face a harsh, rainy winter? Many are exposed to the elements, trying to survive without the most basic necessities. People are still dying: killed by the Israeli army, dying of starvation, disease and exposure to the cold.
How can we celebrate when, in the West Bank, terror reigns as the army imposes its regime of assassinations, mass arrests, house demolitions, land confiscation, while the settlers continue their rampage? Among those suffering under this regime of terror are our Christian brothers and sisters in Taybeh and Abboud. Their villages, like so many others, are attacked, their fields pillaged and their ancient churches desecrated.
We ask ourselves: How can we celebrate? Yet, celebrate we must!
We might indeed be powerless in the face of Israeli intransigence, which prevents life from entering Gaza, preventing law enforcement in the West Bank. However, the message from Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem is that equality must come, injustice must end and light must triumph. Our Christmas celebration proclaims a message of life in the face of death and darkness.
Our celebrations are filled with Christmas carols and messages of hope, raised by faithful and pastors from the depths of our hearts, offering us a glimmer of hope after the horrors of the past two years. We revive hope by reliving the memory of Christmas, the birth of the Prince of Peace. Christmas is a holiday for everyone; it is a prayer, a celebration of humanity, and also a national holiday.
Some may ask: Have the celebrations and events become excessive? Have they burdened families already struggling with difficult economic circumstances? However, the number of participants in these celebrations gives the impression that they enrich the Christmas season, revitalize the economy, and bring joy and hope back to families who have waited so long.
This Christmas, we want to celebrate, but we continue, at the same time, to remain committed to our mission and our peaceful resistance, striving for equality, freedom, justice, and peace. Our hope is the hope of the shepherds at the coming of Christ. The angel told them: “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).
We rejoice and we celebrate, but with awareness and caution, for we are exposed every day to the danger of death and war in Gaza and throughout Palestine. We celebrate with our souls burdened by death in our land. Even in the heart of our city, Jerusalem, the City of God, at its so-called New Gate, there are attempts to deprive us of the serenity and sanctity of our feast, especially the municipality’s policy aimed at Judaizing the city and undermining the status quo that guarantees pluralism and the unique character of this neighborhood and the city as a whole.
Despite all this, we celebrate with our hearts lifted up to the sublimity of God, filled with the joy of the coming of the eternal Word of God, who became man and dwelt among us, our Savior and the Savior of all humanity. Through Him, we are free, witnesses and messengers of the message of love in our beloved Holy Land. Glory to God in the highest, and on all our land, peace from God, love, justice, and equality. Happy Feast!
Signatories: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah (emeritus) Greek Orthodox Archbishop Attallah Hanna Lutheran Bishop of the Holy Land Munib Younan (emeritus) Mr. Yusef Daher Ms. Sawsan Bitar Mr. Samuel Munayer Ms. Dina Nasser Mr. John Munayer Ms. Sandra Khoury Rev. David Neuhaus SJ Rev. Frans Bouwen MAfr Rev. Firas Abdrabbo Mr. Rafi Ghattas Rev. Alessandro Barchi and other members
Aus dem Mailing der American Friends of Combatants for Peace
Yesterday, I was moved to my core as we gathered in shared witness: listening, reflecting, and holding what it means to respond to immense human need with compassion and responsibility.
We heard from Dr. David Hasan, a Palestinian-American neurosurgeon, Duke University professor, and the founder of the Gaza Children Village (GCV). Drawing on his frontline medical missions in Gaza, Dr. Hasan spoke about the collapse of critical systems and his decision to envision something more: a community-led model of care that protects children not only in moments of crisis, but also over the long term.
He also spoke of the urgent effort underway to convert an existing facility into what will become Gaza’s only tertiary children’s hospital, a lifeline for newborns, children with injuries, and families who have nowhere to turn.
GCV has become a refuge for orphaned and highly vulnerable children across the Gaza Strip. Today, they serve more than 8,500 children, providing safe, structured daily environments where children can learn, heal, and grow, supported by education, nutrition, medical care, and psychosocial support.
As we close 2025, we invite you to join the work of repair in Gaza by supporting GCV directly. You can learn more about their mission and support their work here: 👉 https://www.thegazachildrenvillage.org/
Thank you for being a part of the collective movement of healing, humanity, and hope. Together, we can help build a future worthy of Gaza’s precious children.
Wieder einmal ein Hinweis auf eine spannende Initiative
Aus der Selbstbeschreibung:
„Die Geschehnisse in Gaza tragen weltweit zu gesellschaftlichen Spaltungen bei. Auch das Verhalten der deutschen Bundesregierung befeuert Unmut in der Gesellschaft. Und wir finden die Situation schon seit einiger Zeit untragbar. Wir haben als private BürgerInnen daher den Verein „Don`t look away“ gegründet.
Wir stehen auf genau einer Seite: und zwar der der universellen Menschenrechte und des internationalen Rechts. Wir fordern besonders von der Bundesregierung und der Europäischen Union konsequente Handlungen bezüglich der in Gaza stattfindenden genozidalen Verbrechen.
Wir setzen uns schwerpunktmäßig dafür ein, dass die Bundesrepublik sich endlich für die Durchsetzung von Menschenrechten und internationalem Recht in ihrer Beziehung zu Israel einsetzt und die deutsche Außenpolitik danach ausrichtet sowie gemeinsam mit der EU-Kommission Konsequenzen folgen lässt.
Zudem fordern wir, dass Deutschland sich seinen vielen internationalen Partnerländern anschließt und den Staat Palästina anerkennt. Das Leiden und Sterben in Gaza geht uns sehr nahe. Insbesondere nach dem vermeintlichen Waffenstillstand nehmen wir eine abnehmende öffentliche Aufmerksamkeit wahr und möchten die durch Deutschland unterstützten Völkerrechtsverbrechen nicht akzeptieren. Wir sind eine Organisation aus der Mitte der Bevölkerung und sehen den Kampf gegen Antisemitismus und gegen Rassismus als gemeinsame Aufgabe an.
Unsere Forderungen werden – Umfragen zufolge – von einer Mehrheit der Deutschen getragen. Wir möchten den Menschen einen Raum für Trauer und politischen Unmut bieten, die zwar grundsätzlich politisch interessiert sind, sich aber bisher aus unterschiedlichen Gründen nicht öffentlich positioniert haben.
Seit August organisieren wir einmal monatlich Kundgebungen in München, Berlin und Köln (bald auch in Regensburg): hier verlesen wir die Namen der Kinder, die seit dem 7. Oktober in Gaza und Israel getötet wurden und stellen unsere politischen Forderungen. Uns ist symbolisch wichtig, dass getötete Kinder Sichtbarkeit erhalten, unterschiedliches Leid und Trauma gewürdigt wird und die unglaubliche Zahl der getöteten Kinder in Gaza (laut neuen Zahlen des Max-Planck Instituts bisher mindestens 30.000 direkt getötete Kinder) deutlich wird. Wir freuen uns, wenn Sie die Informationen zu diesen Kundgebungen mit uns zusammen verbreiten und selbst daran teilnehmen, etwa Namen verlesen oder eine Rede halten.
Die nächste Kundgebung in München findet statt am 27.12.2025 um 13.00 Uhr in der Sendlinger Straße.
Des Weiteren formulieren wir derzeit einen Offenen Brief, der sich an die Oberbürgermeister der Städte richtet, in denen wir Kundgebungen veranstalten. Wir fordern die Politiker:innen direkt auf, nach dem Vorbild Schweiz verletzte Kinder aus Gaza in unseren Krankenhäusern aufzunehmen und zu behandeln.
