Intolerance Becoming Normal for Christians in Israel and Jerusalem

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Attack on French Nun in East Jerusalem Sparks Concern Among Christian Community

A recent incident of violence against a French nun walking along a street in occupied East Jerusalem has raised concerns among Christians living in Israel and East Jerusalem. The attack, which was condemned by Israeli officials as “despicable” with “no place” in Israeli society, is the latest in a series of incidents of abuse, assault, and intimidation targeting the Christian community.

According to data from the Religious Freedom Data Center, there have been 31 reported incidents of harassment against Christians in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem so far this year, including spitting and defacing church property. In total, 113 known attacks on individuals and church property were recorded last year, with 61 physical assaults targeting visible members of the clergy.

Experts say that the number of incidents has increased over the past three years, with a growing sense of resentment towards Christianity among some segments of Israeli society. The shift towards ultranationalism under the current government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led to an increase in far-right voices being incorporated into the government, resulting in a rise in attacks on Christians.

A man has been arrested in connection with the attack on the nun, and Israeli soldiers have also been accused of smashing a Christian statue in southern Lebanon. However, many incidents go unreported due to a lack of trust in the Israeli state among the Christian community.

The Christian community in Israel and East Jerusalem has a long history dating back over 2,000 years. However, they are now facing attacks from Israelis who are targeting them for practicing their faith. The Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations has reported that the political atmosphere in Israel has led to an increase in harassment against Christians, with many feeling more comfortable expressing resentment towards Christianity openly.

A survey by the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue found that ultra-Orthodox and ultra-nationalistic Israelis were responsible for the majority of attacks on Christians. Rabbi Arik Ascherman, an Israeli peace activist, has stated that “the hate and attempt to harass non-Jews knows no bounds.”

Source: Al Jazeera