Bethlehem Church of the Nativity priest denied visa to speak at US event

Father Issa Thaljieh, the Palestinian parish priest at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, has been denied a US visa to attend an event alongside American clergy. The reason cited by the US government was security. The priest, who is treated as a threat, was denied entry due to security concerns. This decision has raised concerns, as it indicates that those directly experiencing the conflict are being prevented from sharing their experiences.

Laila Mokhiber, a volunteer with Orthodox Christians for Palestine, expressed her worry about this situation to Middle East Eye. The event, scheduled for next Monday at the United Methodist Building near the US Capitol, aims to demand accountability for both settlers and the Israeli military, as well as to restrict US weapons transfers to Israel.