Bethlehem Christians Reject Netanyahu’s Claims on Emigration, Cite Occupation as Key Factor

Christian leaders and civic figures in Bethlehem have dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, which claimed an increase in Christian emigration from the city under Palestinian Authority governance. The statements, they argue, are misleading and fail to reflect the complex realities on the ground.

Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania criticized the remarks as part of a broader effort to “confuse the narrative and undermine Palestinian unity.” He emphasized that Israeli policies — including settlement expansion, movement restrictions, and a network of military checkpoints — are the primary drivers of emigration. Hanania noted that the Christian presence is a vital part of Palestinian society, with local governance structures historically ensuring Christian representation, including within the city’s municipal council.

The issue of declining Christian populations in the Palestinian territories has long been a subject of discussion. Historian and researcher Walid Shomali pointed out that Christians made up about 85% of Bethlehem’s population before 1967, with the proportion steadily decreasing since then. He attributed this decline to conditions linked to the Israeli occupation, including closures, economic pressure, and limited prospects affecting both Christians and Muslims. Shomali warned that efforts to frame the conflict along religious lines serve a political narrative.

Rev. Mitri Raheb, president of Dar al-Kalima University, described the decline as a result of a sequence of historical developments, including the 1948 Nakba, the 1967 occupation, and subsequent restrictions. He highlighted land confiscations, barriers, and access limitations in Bethlehem as factors that have accelerated outward migration. Palestinian officials have echoed these concerns, with former Bethlehem mayor Anton Salman stating that Israel is “using the Christian issue against the Palestinian Authority.”

Ramzi Khouri, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, added that Israeli violations — including restrictions on religious institutions and incidents affecting churches and property — have contributed to the decline in the Christian population. He noted that such measures span multiple areas, from Jerusalem to towns across the West Bank, impacting freedom of worship, access to holy sites, and the functioning of religious and educational institutions.

Speakers emphasized that safeguarding the Christian presence in Palestine requires addressing underlying political and economic conditions rather than rhetoric. They called for a focus on policies that promote stability, justice, and the well-being of all communities. As the situation continues, the need for dialogue and accountability remains central to preserving the diverse fabric of life in the Holy Land.

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