Title: Christian Worshipers in Jerusalem Subjected to Intimidation and Assault, Israeli Government Condemns Incident
Subtitle: Concerns Raised Over The Safety of Christians in the Holy Land
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2023 23.41 CEST
Jerusalem – An incident involving ultra-Orthodox Jews spitting on the ground next to Christian worshipers carrying a wooden cross during a procession in Jerusalem has sparked outrage and condemnation in the Holy Land. The incident was seen as the latest in a series of religiously motivated attacks targeting the Christian community in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior figures expressed rare outrage over the incident, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Members of the Christian community, including the influential Vatican-appointed Latin Patriarch, have been increasingly concerned about the rise in harassment against the region’s age-old Christian community since the conservative Israeli government came into power.
The ultranationalist ideology of members within the current government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has reportedly emboldened Jewish extremists and created a sense of impunity. Many experts argue that Jewish identity has unfortunately grown around anti-Christian sentiments.
Yisca Harani, a Christianity expert and the founder of an Israeli hotline for anti-Christian assaults, stated, “Even if the government doesn’t encourage it, they hint that there will be no sanctions.”
The rise in intolerance contradicts Israel’s commitment to freedom of worship and the safeguarding of holy places, as declared during its founding 75 years ago. Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 war and subsequently annexed, is home to major Christian sites and approximately 15,000 Christians, largely Palestinians who view themselves as living under occupation.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel’s commitment to protecting the sacred right of worship, condemning any intimidation of worshipers and pledging swift action against such incidents.
The spitting incident, captured on video by Time newspaper, showed a group of foreign pilgrims carrying a large wooden cross through the Old City. As they made their way through narrow streets, ultra-Orthodox Jews passed by, some of whom spat on the ground near the Christian worshipers.
Adding to the shock was Elisha Yered, an ultranationalist settler leader and former advisor to a lawmaker in Netanyahu’s coalition, defending the spitters by referring to it as an “ancient Jewish custom.” Yered, who is under house arrest for his suspected involvement in the killing of a Palestinian, faced further criticism for his comments.
The incident sparked a wave of condemnation from various quarters. Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated that the spitting did not represent Jewish values, while Minister of Religious Affairs Michael Malkieli from the ultra-Orthodox Shas party argued that such acts went against the teachings of the Torah. One of Israel’s chief rabbis also emphasized that spitting has no place in Jewish law.
Activists who have been documenting attacks against Christians expressed surprise at the sudden government attention, highlighting that attacks against Christians have increased by 100% this year, including incidents of stone-throwing and sign vandalism.
The incident has shed light on the plight of Christians in the Holy Land and raised concerns about their safety amid the rising intolerance. Time will tell if the government’s condemnation translates into concrete actions to protect the religious freedoms and security of all its citizens.