Dear Prime Minister,

 

I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen and a proud Canadian, petitioning your esteemed office to take immediate and decisive action to save and protect the ancient Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches in Ethiopia, my place of birth. The Lalibela rock-hewn churches are a unique and invaluable part of our shared human heritage, and they are currently under grave threat due to the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. I urge you to advocate for their preservation and to support their designation as a separate holy site to ensure their safeguarding against any further conflict or government change in Ethiopia.

 

My name is Yehenew Ayalew, the founder of Save Lalibela Today. Born in Lasta, Lalibela, I moved to Canada in 1989 and have since embraced my role as a dedicated Canadian citizen, actively enriching the cultural, social, and economic tapestry of this wonderful nation. My transition from Lalibela to Canada has provided me with a distinctive outlook on the significance of safeguarding cultural gems such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.

​

The Lalibela rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are not only a source of immense pride for Ethiopians but also a place of great historical and spiritual significance for people around the world. These 13th-century churches, hewn from solid rock, are a testament to human ingenuity and architectural mastery, and they hold immense religious importance in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Unfortunately, the recent conflict in Ethiopia poses an existential threat to these irreplaceable treasures, endangering their existence.

 

I implore you to use Canada's diplomatic influence and international standing to call for an immediate ceasefire in the region surrounding Lalibela. We must ensure that the warring parties respect the sanctity of this site and take all necessary steps to protect it from harm. Our Canadian values of peace, cultural preservation, and international cooperation can serve as a guiding light in this endeavor.

 

Moreover, I kindly request that you explore the possibility of designating Lalibela as a separate holy site under the protection of international organizations. This would ensure that Lalibela remains shielded from future conflicts and government changes in Ethiopia, thereby guaranteeing the preservation of this unique cultural treasure for generations to come.

 

Canada has a strong tradition of championing human rights, heritage preservation, and conflict resolution on the international stage. I believe that by actively engaging with the Ethiopian government and international bodies, we can make a meaningful difference in the protection and preservation of the Lalibela rock-hewn churches.

 

The Lalibela rock-hewn churches are a symbol of our shared human history and spiritual heritage. By taking decisive action to save and protect these ancient treasures, Canada can continue to be a beacon of hope and peace on the global stage. I kindly request your prompt attention to this matter and am ready to support any initiative that will ensure the safeguarding of the Lalibela rock-hewn churches.

 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I remain hopeful that, with your assistance, we can contribute to the preservation of this unique and precious cultural heritage.

 

Sincerely,

 

Yehenew Ayalew