Israel’s Christians rely on faith and allies as they fear rising harassment
Religious Freedom Data Center says Jerusalem harassment incidents have nearly tripled, while authorities and interfaith leaders push to protect a tiny Christian minority.
- Many Christians in Israel, making up less than 2% of the population, face increasing harassment amid regional conflicts, causing widespread concern about visible displays of faith.
- Since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, the country has faced renewed war and polarization, with interfaith educator Alberto Pari noting "generalized fear and skepticism" now pervades interreligious work.
- The Religious Freedom Data Center recorded a near-tripling of anti-Christian incidents in Jerusalem over four years, with harassment like spitting becoming common enough that volunteers now escort Christian visitors.
- Ambassador George Deek, Israel's new envoy to the Christian world, stated: "We believe that every incident against Christians is immoral, illegal and should be prosecuted."
- Despite rising tensions, traditions like the Mount Tabor pilgrimage persist, where Rev. Fadi Shallufi led ten pilgrims to celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration to "diffuse God's light" in wartime.
38 Articles
38 Articles
Israel's Christians rely on faith and allies as they fear rising harassment
MOUNT TABOR, Israel | Sister Mayela wears her black veil and habit as she walks to work near where another Catholic nun was violently attacked in Jerusalem’s Old City — but she’s now accompanied by a Jewish volunteer for protection. Many Christians in Israel, who make up less than 2% of the country’s population, are worried visible signs of their faith will draw harassment, which has increased as multiple conflicts grip the region. “I’m scared a…
Harassment Against Christians in Jerusalem Tripled as Nuns Now Require Jewish Bodyguards
Following a severe physical assault in April, Catholic nuns in Jerusalem's Old City are now relying on Jewish volunteers for physical protection, as local researchers confirm harassment against Christians in Jerusalem has reached unprecedented levels. Sister Mayela, a Mexican nun who has lived in the region for two decades, now travels to work with an escort after violent incidents left the religious minority fearful for their safety in the Holy…
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MONTE TABOR, Israel (AP) — Sister Mayela wears her black veil and habit as she goes to work near where another Catholic nun was violently attacked in the Old City of Jerusalem, but now she is accompanied by...
Israel’s Christians rely on faith and allies as they fear rising
MOUNT TABOR, Israel: Sister Mayela wears her black veil and habit as she walks to work near where another Catholic nun was violently attacked in Jerusalem’s Old City — but she’s now accompanied by a Jewish volunteer for protection. Many Christians in Israel, who make up less than two percent of the country’s population, are worried visible signs of their faith will draw
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