By Rana Abu Farha

Bethlehem- Hundreds of Palestinians participated Saturday in a solidarity visit to the Nasar family on their land which has been called the tent of nations. The two Nasar brothers were attacked by unknown individuals.

The visit included senior members of the Palestinian government, security officials, mayors of local cities and towns, and activists.

Participants made strong supportive statements that stressed Palestinian national and religious unity. Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan, Orthodox bishop Atallah Hanna, Bishop William Shomali, and Bishop Suni Azar all participated. Alongside them was Sheikh Mohammad Shakarne, Bethlehem governor Kamel Humeid, Dr. Ramzi Khoury head of the Higher Presidential Council for Churches, Mohammad Masri secretary of Fatah in the Bethlehem area, and Salah Funon the mayor of the nearby Nahalin village.

 Speakers called for a quick formation of a judicial committee to look into land claims as soon as possible and to come up with a decision.

Anton Nasar told Maghtas.com that the site of all those people on their land has raised their morale. “We have been victims to 28 attacks in recent years by local individuals who claim to have rights to the land. Nasar said that the speakers at the event have expressed the family’s demands of the need to reach a resolution to the land dispute. “We have inherited this land from our parents and grandparents more than 100 years ago, if they have a just right they can get the court to rule in their favor by presenting what they claim to the court rather than use violence.

Mohammad Jaffari the coordinator of Palestinian national factions in the Bethlehem area who has been entrusted to follow up on the land dispute called on those present “to use their good offices to ensure a speedy judicial resolution and the need to arrest those who carried out the attack.” Jaffari asked why until that moment none of the ten people implicated in the attack have been arrested despite the fact that the security forces know who they are. Others said if there is no accountability and deterrence the attacks will continue.

Nahalin mayo Salah Fanoun said in his short speech that the people of his village denounce the attack and reject what happened. He said that there is a feeling of comradeship with the Nasar family for tends of years.

In his talk to Maghtas.com Anton Nasar stressed the fact that his family which has owned the lands for over one hundred years has stood up the Israeli occupiers and the settlers who have been trying to take their land and have been harassing them with the hope that they would give in.

Senior Palestinian official Ramzi Khoury who has recently been elected to the PLO’s executive committee echoed greetings from President Abbas and praised the Nasar family for their steadfastness in front of the settlers and the occupiers all these years calling them a symbol and a role model.

Bethlehem governor Kamal Humeid said that the Palestinian security forces will ensure that the Nasar’s are protected on orders from President Abbas.