clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

Archbishop Capucci sends message of solidarity to Palestinian hunger strikers

June 18, 2015 at 10:16 am

Melkite Archbishop Hilarion Capucci has sent an open letter of solidarity to all Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails especially those on hunger strike.

In his letter, released by the Prisoners Affairs Committee, Capucci said: “I salute the steadfastness of all Palestinian prisoners who defend the Palestinian people’s right to live in peace without occupation and suffering. My salutation to all prisoners on hunger strike who fight their torturers and oppressors for freedom, dignity and humanity.”

“I will return to my country Jerusalem very soon. I will return to a liberated Jerusalem. To Jerusalem, the city of coexistence, peace and social unity where the Palestinian flag will rise against the policy of Judaisation, deportation, arrests and settlements.”

Capucci called to support Palestinian prisoners in their plight and to support their families and children.

Archbishop Hilarion Capucci became bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Jerusalem in 1965 and was known for his opposition to the Israeli occupation.

He was arrested in 1974 on charges of supporting the Palestinian resistance.

An Israeli military court sentenced him to 12 years in prison, he was released after four years and expelled from Palestine in 1978.

Below is an interview given by Archbishop Hilarion Capucci 2 years ago for Staying Human’s “The Reading Movie”