Christians in Israel Face Unprecedented Violence from Jewish Extremists

Jerusalem: Christians in Israel face unprecedented violence from Jewish religious extremists, a pontifical foundation said Tuesday in a report on the situation ensuing from the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks, issued after Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin spoke out against violence by Israeli settlers on Christians living in the West Bank.

According to Ansa News Agency, “Christians in Israel have experienced an unprecedented level of violence and hostility: Jewish extremists have targeted church institutions and leaders,” said the Report on Religious Freedom presented by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), describing the situation after October 7.

The report further elaborates that “the far-right coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deepened ethnic and religious divisions,” exacerbating the tensions on the ground.

ACN also highlights that “the collapse of religious tourism has exacerbated the economic difficulties of Christian communities in the Holy Land,” compounding the challenges faced by these communities in the wake of recent violence.