ISIS Urges Attacks on US and European Churches, Synagogues in Easter Threat Following Al-Aqsa Mosque Closure

In a disturbing development, ISIS has called on Muslims to set fire to churches and synagogues across the US and Europe, coinciding with Easter celebrations. This callous directive was issued in response to Israel’s closure of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. The Islamist terror group disseminated this threat through its weekly propaganda outlet, al-Naba, released on Thursday.

The group’s statement emphasized the perceived injustice of al-Aqsa’s closure, urging Muslims worldwide to retaliate by targeting Jewish synagogues in various countries, including America, Europe, Russia, India, and beyond. ISIS further specified that synagogues in Tunisia, Morocco, the UAE, and Syria were also targets, citing their well-known locations.

Additionally, ISIS called for attacks on “Jewish gatherings” globally, urging followers to emulate the perpetrators of the 2025 Hannukkah terror attacks in Australia, which resulted in 16 deaths and 40 injuries. The group also claimed responsibility for 60 casualties across 15 operations conducted over the past week.

The closure of al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli authorities in late February was justified by citing the “security situation” amid tensions involving an Israeli-US warning in Iran. This closure, along with bans on mass gatherings at other religious sites like the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, has sparked significant controversy. Muslims refer to the hilltop as the Noble Sanctuary, while Jewish people call it the Temple Mount.

The Palestinian authorities have criticized these closures, while Jewish groups have demanded access to the site for Passover rituals in April. This situation is further complicated by Israel’s recent introduction of a controversial death penalty law, which has been criticized for potentially targeting Palestinian militants and excluding Israelis who kill Palestinians. This complex interplay of religious, political, and legal issues underscores the need for peace and justice, as reflected in the biblical call for reconciliation and care for the oppressed (Micah 6:8).

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