Israeli Officials Address Rising Anti-Christian Harassment in Jerusalem

Senior Israeli officials, including the Deputy State Attorney, recently visited Jerusalem’s Old City to meet with victims of anti-Christian harassment. The visit follows years of advocacy by the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), which has documented a consistent rise in incidents, including spitting, vandalism, and physical assault. The RFDC reports that clergy are frequently targeted, leading some to wear plain clothes to avoid abuse, and notes that some perpetrators justify these actions on religious grounds.

During the visit, officials heard testimonies from victims, including a parent whose child was pepper-sprayed. The RFDC described the government's engagement as a significant achievement, crediting specific Ministry of Justice personnel for their efforts to address the issue. While the RFDC estimates that many incidents remain unreported, the organization indicated that authorities are now considering legislative measures, such as a potential ban on spitting, to curb the harassment.