An excerpt from the report reads: “The targeting of Christianity is not, on the whole, explicitly encouraged by the political leadership or the Israeli authorities. However, the rise in attacks correlates with a broader socio-political climate marked by a shift towards the far-right, growing nationalism, and an emphasis on Israel as a state for the Jewish population which has impacted the unique majority/minority dynamics of Jewish-Christian relations in the Holy Land. It is crucial to emphasise that harassing behaviours are not normative, and the majority of individuals, irrespective of their views on Christianity or other religious minorities, do not partake in such actions.”

According to research, the main aggressors are young Jewish men who follow “the Religious Zionist camp and ultra-nationalist stances”. On the other hand, verbal abuse and spitting are committed by ultra-Orthodox groups, both male and female. Father Nikodemus Schnabel, Abbot of the Church of the Dormition in Jerusalem stated that he gets spat on “almost every day. Twenty years ago, it was maybe every six months.”

The report emphasized a “critical need for swift condemnation by Israeli authorities and proactive measures to deter or halt harassment”. Even though the police are trying to be helpful, a more “comprehensive approach” is required to solve the issue. They say some Christian communities are afraid to report incidents because “they aren’t always confident that reporting these events won’t negatively affect them”. 

One of the researchers, Hana Bendcowsky highlighted the fact that many Christians are “shaken and uncomfortable. You feel as though no one wants you – lay people don’t feel this so much as the clergy, but they are part of Israel, and they should feel comfortable in this homeland, and we should make sure they do.”

The report states: “In conclusion, this analysis underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address escalating hostilities against Christians in Jerusalem and advocates for a comprehensive approach involving condemnation by state and religious authorities, law enforcement, education, community involvement, media engagement and international awareness.”

Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/