A Christian Minority in the Land of Jesus' Birth

                                                            Jerusalem Church vandalism

I have come across a couple of news pieces about the situation for Christians in Israel in recent days. We often hear that Jerusalem in particular is a focal point for three great world religions; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While this is true, it might surprise people to learn that a little less than 2 percent of Israel's population of nearly 10 million people is Christian and the number is steadily declining. 

The articles have been about the growing hostility directed toward Christians in 2023, including those from denominations which have existed in Israel for hundreds of years. The aggression toward Christians tends to come from a small segment of ultra-Orthodox Jews, an irony given that some of the Christian groups have been in the country far longer than these sects.

The reality is that there is a general disdain for Christians in Israel because of the long and terrible history of anti-Semiticism and murderous persecution of Jews for two thousand years. While the majority of Jews in Israel are secular they are well aware of this dark legacy. Christian tourism is an important part of the economy, but proselytizing is illegal and can result in expulsion from the country. 

There are so many different "flavours" of Christianity in Israel, which complicates the situation. One of Ruth's sisters and brother-in-law have lived in Israel for decades and work for an evangelical denomination from the States. They understand the delicate balance of their presence in the country, noting that identifying as a missionary, a term they wouldn't use, would be akin to claiming to be a paedophile because of the antipathy regarding Christians. A neighbour with whom they generally have good relations shouted at them once after he'd heard of Christians handing out tracts in Tel Aviv. He wasn't ready to be reassured that they had nothing to do with this.  Even after more than 30 years there they are on renewable visas and will not be able to live in Israel after they retire even though they love the country. 

                                              Toppled Christian gravestones in a Jerusalem cemetery

The incidents noted in the articles include spitting on clerics, as well as verbal threats on the street, and vandalism of Christian churches and cemeteries. While the official government stance is religious tolerance tThe current coalition government includes right-wing Jewish ministers who would probably be content to have all Christians leave the country altogether, and Muslims as well. 

The United Church is a strong voice for Palestinians who struggle as second-class citizens in Israel, a stance I support.  Rarely through the years have I see anything about the difficulties faced by Christians, which has always puzzled me. These are brothers and sisters in the land of Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection. While we respectfully acknowledge that he was  was born a Jew we recognize him as the Christ. The stories of faithful Arab and Palestinian Christians, very much in the minority, are often inspiring. 

Here is a prayer written by a Lutheran pastor in Bethlehem for Christmas use: 

“Lord God our Father, who made yourself known to us in your Son, Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, grant to Palestinian Christians who live in Bethlehem today and throughout the Holy Land, resilience to endure and remain in the land and to continue the Christian witness. We pray for all Palestinians to be steadfast under pressure. Amen.”

Rev. Dr Munther Isaac