Palestinian Christians take a 'wait and see' approach to Hamas win

Published: 2006-01-30

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Following their initial shock, many Palestinian Christians are taking a "wait and see" approach to the Jan. 25 Hamas election victory, although some young Christians have expressed concern about the future. "I was shocked," said Rami Giacaman, 19, a Catholic student at Bethlehem University whose family owns a souvenir shop on Manger Square in Bethlehem, West Bank. "I didn't imagine that Hamas would win. I am just a little bit concerned about things changing that may hurt us." Suheir, 24, a Catholic owner of a high-end women's clothing boutique in the Bethlehem area, who preferred not to have her last name used or the exact location of her store revealed, said she hopes Hamas will not venture into the social sphere of Palestinian life. She said she is concerned that the new ruling party could try to implement dress and social codes based on Islamic law. "I will never cover myself; it is simply impossible for me to do that. If they (impose) such rules for girls, we won't accept that," said Suheir.

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