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The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East
The Diocese of Jerusalem
The Rt. Rev. Riah H. Abu El-Assal, B.D.D.D.
11 November, 2004
Dear Friends in Faith:
Salaam and grace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you well.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you to express my sorrow, as well as the sorrow of the Diocese of Jerusalem, over the death of President Yasser Arafat. As many of you know, President Arafat was a great supporter of the churches in the land of the Holy One. I have been privileged to bring many pilgrims from around the world to meet with him; and in fact, it was the Compass Rose Society that was the last pilgrim group to meet with him before his health deteriorated.
In the early 1980's I was afforded the opportunity to meet the President, and immediately I was charmed by his leadership, humility, and gracious hospitality. He has been a source of strength for me and the Diocese, for his commitment to peace, justice, and truth has been genuine and remarkable. He has been a true friend, and I have deeply cherished his loyal friendship.
President Arafat’s strong faith in God has been a consistent reminder that the destinies of the nations are in the hands of God. It is this faith that has been so affirming of the Christian presence in the Land of the Holy One. His support of the Diocese and its many institutions has been crucial; we are especially grateful for his support of St Luke’s Hospital in Nablus and Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.
Myself and three other Heads of churches in Jerusalem will be traveling today to Cairo for the official ceremony before returning to Ramallah for the funeral. Please pray for his wife, daughter, and the rest of his family; for all who will participate in Cairo and Ramallah; and for the people of Palestine. Your prayers are very important as we mourn the loss of a great friend of the church and a courageous leader of Palestine. Let us pray that President Arafat may rest in peace and rise in glory.
As always, I am your faithful servant in Christ,
The Rt. Revd. Riah Abu El-Assal
Bishop of Jerusalem
