Episcopal Press and News

Israeli Raid on Anglican Hospital Condemned

Episcopal News Service. October 4, 1989 [89179E]

An Israeli raid on the Episcopal Arab Ahli Hospital received strong condemnation in a statement issued by the Jerusalem Diocese of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East. The statement, signed by the Rt. Rev. Samir Kafity, bishop of Jerusalem, says that Israeli soldiers disturbed various wards, including the children's wards, and arrested four of the hospital's employees while they were on active duty. "We are terribly dismayed by the Army's utter disregard for the hospital as a humanitarian institution and by its terrorist acts against the hospital's workers and patients," the statement declares. It adds: "The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East appeals to the world community for help in putting a halt to the Army's despicable behavior and to all similar attacks on human rights."