Children in Taybeh Face Fear Due to Settler Violence and Unsafe Roads

Taybeh, the only remaining Christian village in the West Bank, has seen its population decline from around 3,000 in the 1980s to approximately 1,200 today. Nestled in the Ramallah area, the village is surrounded by four Israeli settlements—Ofra and Amona to the west, and Rimonim and Kokav Hashahar to the east—along with numerous settler outposts. The community, which includes Christian archaeological sites dating back to the Roman era and early Christianity, faces ongoing challenges due to settler violence.

Residents report frequent attacks and acts of arson by Israeli settlers, including shootings, damage to an ancient church, and destruction of trees. Video footage has shown settlers riding through Christian properties on all-terrain vehicles, shouting and harassing villagers. Children, in particular, are deeply affected by these incidents, often expressing fear during such events.

Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin Parish priest, recalled that 20 years ago, Taybeh enjoyed a peaceful existence with no checkpoints or land incursions. “It was normal life in Taybeh with peace and quiet,” he said. “Due to the violence, Taybeh has been receiving visits from the world over.” In the past year alone, he has hosted more than 50 diplomatic visits, including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and has made numerous trips abroad to countries such as France, Italy, the United States, and Spain.

Fawadleh emphasized that while expressions of solidarity are appreciated, they are not sufficient. “What the world did for us is not enough,” he said. “Action is needed to stop settler violence against Taybeh.” He called for greater international pressure on Israel to address the ongoing threats to the village.

The violence has also impacted the surrounding areas, with fifteen Palestinians from nearby villages killed due to settler actions. Fawadleh noted that children attending schools in Ramallah must travel on unsafe roads where they encounter settlers. “There are no guarantees for children’s safety on the roads,” he said.

He recounted a particularly alarming incident in 2025 when armed settlers entered the village during a summer camp for children. “The children and their families were terrified, and I saw children in tears due to fear,” he said. “It took us more than two hours to calm down the terrified children.” The nuns, too, were deeply affected by the chaos and fear.

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