Peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different faiths as seen in Bahrain and the GCC should be a model to strive for, for sustainable peace across the wider Middle East region, according to the Archbishop of Jerusalem.
For The Most Reverend Hosam Elias Naoum, who has been visiting Bahrain in recent days, the goal is simple: “I just want to feel welcome in my own homeland.”
In an exclusive interview, Archbishop Naoum reflected on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the role that faith communities can play in shaping a future of peace.
“This is my second time in Bahrain and whenever I am here, I feel like everybody is welcome, and this is exactly what we want,” he told the GDN. “And one day – in own home city of Jersualem – I just want to feel welcome, welcome in my own home.
“I have to say, it may sound disappointing, but that’s our dream – a place where we can celebrate the freedom that God has given us in the city that is holy to all of us.”
His words came against the backdrop of an intensifying war that has left Gaza reeling under destruction, displacement and famine as Israeli forces continue their onslaught of the territory with innocent civilians paying the price.
The war was triggered by Hamas-led attacks launched from Gaza on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
Israel’s military assault on Gaza has killed more than 64,000 people, also mostly civilians, according to local health authorities, caused a hunger crisis and wider humanitarian disaster, and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.
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