Thirty kilometers northeast of Jerusalem and 12 kilometers northeast of Ramallah stands a distinctive village known as Taybeh. Situated in the West Bank of Palestine, amidst a region long defined by conflict, this community stands firm in their faith and is recognized for being the last standing Christian village in Palestine.
Home to fewer than 2,000 residents, the village is ancient, dating back to the Canaanite period around 2500 BC. It is the place where Biblical history remains alive and every piece of architecture, traditional or modern, every crack or crevice, has a meaningful history behind it.
Originally known as Ephriam and mentioned in the Bible several times, this village is most famous for its benevolent, and tight knit community. Back in the 12th century when Kurdish leader Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub entered Palestine and defeated the conquest of the Crusaders, the people of Taybeh were so hospitable to him that it left a lasting impression on him. Additionally, religion instructor Aly Garcia shared her insight on Taybeh and added that it’s where “Jesus and his disciples went to hide out, essentially after the resurrection of Lazarus.”
Therefore, he renamed the village “Taybeh” as it is known today, meaning “the good.” This is a descriptive name that successfully represents the characteristics of people living here. They have been, and still are, recognized for their strong bond between each other, and their openness to outsiders.
As much as the village is defined by goodness, the conflict between Palestine and Israel has prevailed and continues to significantly impact the area today. In 1967, Israel took control of the West Bank, and claimed 65 percent of the land in Taybeh, leaving the remaining 35 percent for the people.
Known as Area C, the vast majority of the land was where Palestinians were prohibited from entering. With this new division drawn, it separated many families that were not able to be united.
The fight is still ongoing. The Israeli army and illegal settlers have intensified their attacks against Palestinians, their sacred sites, and their property, including East Jerusalem, murdering at least 1,006 Palestinians and injuring over 7,000 according to Anadolu Agency, a Middle Eastern news site. As a result, living in Taybeh has been a challenge, with many villagers getting under attack.
Despite the dispute, one factor serves as a shield of resilience to Taybeh’s persistence: their Christian faith. Father Bashar Basiel, a priest in Taybeh, is a member of Christ the Redeemer Church. Reflecting on the many social changes occurring and how unwavering faith has guided his people through tough times, he has called “change” both positive and negative.
“I think it is a challenge of the faith and challenge of human beings. When we are weak, we are strong. If we are very strong people, we are huge, because Jesus Christ is amongst us,” stated Basiel.
More and more Palestinians continue to leave Taybeh due to a lack of opportunities in the workplace, although initiatives are continuing to be implemented into the society. On the other hand, many people with ties to Taybeh continue to reminisce about visiting there again.
“Taybeh to me is my home,” said Mizyed Tababzeh.
Tababzeh was born in Taybeh but immigrated to the United States 11 years ago. Still, his heart led him to visit the land he grew up in. Upon entering his home land, he instantly felt tranquil and nostalgic, noting, “I immediately felt like I belonged there, I felt at ease.”
Similarly, with parents originally from Taybeh, Catherine Halteh, a resident in Daly City, was born in Jordan and eventually moved to Taybeh, where she resided for 21 years before moving to America.
A decade since she last moved, she looked back on the place she called her community and home. “It’s my roots, it’s my pride, and it’s my happiness,” shared Halteh. For centuries and looking forward, Taybeh has been the definition of what it means to stand in faith, family, and love-the most prominent aspect being their faith, which shapes the backbone of their society.
