One day I will celebrate Mass on a Friday afternoon in an olive grove in Beit Jala with Father Ibrahim Shomali in prayerful protest of the land confiscation and the building of the separation wall at the Cremisan monastery, ensha’allah (God willing).
Father Shomali is the parish priest of the Catholic Church of the Annunciation, in which I have celebrated Mass on several occasions. I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Latin Patriarchate seminary, which is connected to the parish church in Beit Jala, and at which I have been honored to speak to the new seminarians under the care of Father Faysal Hijazeen shortly after their arrival for the new school year. I have visited the children and teachers at the Latin Patriarchate School on numerous occasions, and in 2008 I was humbled and delighted with an invitation to address the high school graduates and their families at the graduation ceremony on the outdoor plaza overlooking Bethlehem. I have walked from the Beit Jala parish to the Cremisan monastery to buy wine to bring home with me. I know Beit Jala. I know the people of Beit Jala and I know Father Ibrahim, and am blessed to be able to call them my friends.
They need my prayers – and yours! They deserve my attention – and yours!
At the Friday afternoon Mass they are not killing, fighting – just praying.
With Open Doors 
One day I will attend Mass on a Friday afternoon in an olive grove in Beit Jala with Father Ibrihim Shomali in prayerful protest of the land confiscation and the building of the separation wall at the Cremisan monastery, ensha’allah (God willing).
YES Father we are JUST PRAYING one day u will be with I am sure father we r waiting u
Always praying for the people of Beit Jala.
Thanks alot father Rob for all what you do for the christians in the Holy land.
God be with you.
Fr. Ibrahim Shomali