This April to June, there were 83 reported attacks on Christians in Israel and Israeli-occupied territories, according to a report from Israel’s Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC). The incidents, primarily concentrated in Jerusalem, included 68 occurrences within the city, with 46 taking place in the Old City. Notably, 47 of these incidents involved spitting, which accounted for 56% of all harassment forms. The report highlighted a significant rise in harassment during Jerusalem Day, a controversial event marking the occupation of East Jerusalem. It also documented violent assaults and verbal abuse targeting Christian clergy, exacerbated by restrictions imposed by Israeli police during Christian holidays. The situation for Christians in Jerusalem has reportedly worsened since early 2023, with increasing incidents of open harassment in public spaces.
Why It Matters
The increase in attacks against Christians in Jerusalem reflects a broader trend of rising tensions in the region, particularly with the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historical grievances and the sensitive status of Jerusalem, a city sacred to multiple religions, contribute to the strained atmosphere. The RFDC’s findings indicate that harassment has intensified in recent years, particularly during specific events that commemorate the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem. This deterioration in religious freedom and safety for Christians raises concerns about the protection of minority communities in a region marked by complex socio-political dynamics.
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