Researcher Reports Decline in Bethlehem’s Christian Population Amid Allegations of Persecution

Elias Zarina, a researcher with the Jerusalem Center for Applied Policy, has reported a significant decline in the Christian population of Bethlehem. According to Zarina, the city’s Christian demographic has dropped from approximately 80% prior to the Oslo Accords to roughly 7% today. He estimates that 154 Christian families have departed the region within the last two and a half years.

Zarina alleges that Christians in the area face intimidation, property disputes, and restrictions on religious expression, which he attributes to pressure from political factions under Palestinian Authority rule. He further claims that some business owners have been threatened for displaying Christmas decorations. Additionally, Zarina pointed to economic challenges stemming from a decline in tourism and religious pilgrimages as contributing factors to the community's instability.

In response to these findings, Zarina has called for international donors to condition financial aid to the Palestinian Authority on the protection of religious minorities. While these figures and allegations have not been independently verified, they have prompted renewed discussion regarding the future of the Christian presence in the city.