Christians in Israel, who constitute less than 2% of the country's population, are experiencing a rise in harassment, with many expressing fear that visible signs of their faith may attract negative attention. These concerns have intensified as multiple conflicts grip the region.
Sister Mayela, a Mexican nun who has lived in Jerusalem for over two decades, noted a shift in the environment. "Before, one could live with more confidence. Some people spat, some said hi. Now we have to live trusting in God," she said, recounting an incident where a Jewish volunteer accompanied her for protection after another nun was physically attacked in Jerusalem's Old City. Even with the volunteer present, a teenager reportedly spat near Sister Mayela, claiming to be clearing her throat, an incident that was reported to the police.
These incidents are part of the challenges faced by Christians in Israel, particularly since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which escalated regional tensions. However, interfaith leaders and researchers are pointing to improved policing and prosecution efforts, as well as the recent appointment of Ambassador George Deek, Israel's envoy to the Christian world, who is of Greek Orthodox faith. Deek has stated that "every incident against Christians is immoral, illegal and should be prosecuted" and that Israel aims to be a place where Christians can "thrive."
Some Christians in northern Israel feel that the state is not doing enough to protect them from crime due to their non-Jewish identity. Despite these concerns, many participate in religious events, such as a recent pilgrimage on Mount Tabor. "In a world where darkness is filling the hearts of people, we need to diffuse God's light to other people," said Sister Muna, who led a youth group on the pilgrimage.
Incidents of harassment have been tracked by the Religious Freedom Data Center, which has recorded a near tripling of incidents in Jerusalem over the past three months compared to four years ago, with most attributed to Jewish religious nationalists. The French Biblical and Archeological School of Jerusalem is pursuing legal action following the attack on one of its researchers, Friar Olivier Poquillon, expressing expectation for "effective prosecution at the criminal and civil levels."
Other incidents that drew condemnation included an Israeli soldier smashing a crucifix and another placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary, for which the soldiers involved received military prison sentences. Most Israelis find such harassment unacceptable, but a segment of young, religiously nationalistic Jewish men are identified as a continued threat. Their hostility is linked to historical persecution of Jews in Christian-majority countries, religious interpretations of Christian practices as idolatrous, and general intolerance near sacred sites like the Western Wall.
The broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict also impacts local Christians, many of whom are Palestinian. In the West Bank village of Taybeh, the last entirely Christian village, Jewish settlers have been reported to cut through fences and damage gardens. Israel's army has declared the village a closed military zone to curb such attacks, though concerns about the ability and willingness to control settler actions persist.
Interreligious work has also been affected by a "generalized fear and skepticism" since October 7. An interfaith music institute, Magnificat, had a Palestinian contingent refuse to perform at a peace march after seeing the stage set up by a gate flanked by Israeli flags, which the institute's secretary, the Rev. Alberto Pari, described as a "real failure" but expressed hope that Christians can play a role in reconciliation.
Despite the challenges, resilience is found in faith and community. Christians continue traditions, like the early morning climb to Mount Tabor for the feast of the Transfiguration, underscoring the importance of maintaining their identity in the region. "It's very difficult that we keep our identity as Christians in the Middle East, but it's the most important," said John Akleh, a young pilgrim. The Rev. Fadi Shallufi, leading pilgrims from Nazareth, expressed a hopeful outlook: "We will have a lot of sacrifice, but you will be sure in this land something will change."