For Christians in Israel and Jerusalem, intolerance is becoming normal | Religion News
Rising Violence Against Christians in East Jerusalem Raises Concerns
Last week’s attack on a French nun in occupied East Jerusalem has drawn attention to rising tensions experienced by the Christian community in Israel. Though the assault was unprovoked, it reflects a disturbing trend of violence and intimidation faced by the approximately 180,000 Christians in Israel, including about 10,000 residing in East Jerusalem. Many in this community, primarily Palestinian, report an increase in harassment coinciding with a shift toward far-right nationalism within Israeli society.
Analysts indicate that while high-profile incidents of violence attract media coverage, more subtle forms of abuse—such as spitting, insults, and defacing religious property—have become commonplace. This growing hostility has contributed to the desire among nearly half of young Christians to consider leaving the region.
Israeli officials have condemned the attack on the nun, describing it as “despicable” and asserting there is “no place” for such behavior in Israeli society. A suspect has since been arrested in connection with the incident. This comes on the heels of accusations against Israeli soldiers involved in the destruction of a Christian statue in southern Lebanon.
Despite official denunciations, trust in the Israeli authorities has diminished, with many incidents reportedly going unreported. Historical ties between Christians and the land, spanning over two millennia, are overshadowed by current violence against the faithful practicing their beliefs.
Data from the Religious Freedom Data Center notes that, in the first quarter of this year alone, 31 incidents of harassment against Christians were documented, predominantly involving low-level offenses. Last year, the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue recorded 113 attacks on individuals and church property in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. These included 61 physical assaults targeting visible clergy members.
Hana Bendcowsky, program director at the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, acknowledged a notable increase in hostility over recent years. “While resentment toward Christianity has existed historically, it seems more acceptable for some to express these sentiments openly now,” she stated.
The rise of ultranationalism under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has further intensified these tensions. Far-right factions have gained influence in the government, leading to a perception of impunity among their supporters. A survey conducted by the Rossing Center revealed that ultra-Orthodox groups are responsible for many attacks against Christians.
Rabbi Arik Ascherman, an Israeli peace activist, commented on the escalating climate of hostility toward non-Jewish communities. He noted that acts of harassment have become a stark reality for Christians in the region.
Bendcowsky emphasized that the historical complexities of Jewish-Christian relations are often overlooked. In the modern political climate, some use historical grievances as justification for ongoing violence against Christians.
Many incidents of hostility go unreported, with fears of retaliation and a deep-rooted lack of confidence in law enforcement contributing to underreporting. Bendcowsky added, “Unless an incident garners international attention, especially from the U.S., it often slips through the cracks of official investigations.”
International responses to attacks on Christians, particularly from American allies, can prompt swift reactions from the Israeli government. However, high-profile incidents often overshadow ongoing violence. Recent events, such as the destruction of a Christian statue in Lebanon and the barring of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem from a religious ceremony, led to public outcry and governmental apologies.
As Israel faces international criticism for its military actions, some observers note the correlation between the treatment of Palestinian Christians and growing unpopularity abroad. Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, an analyst with Atlas Global Strategies, remarked on the shifting attitudes among young American Christians who find it increasingly difficult to reconcile support for Israel with its treatment of Christians in the region.
The long-term implications of these attacks could erode support among key demographics, as Ben-Ephraim warned that new generations of Christians are beginning to question their loyalty to Israel in light of its actions.
