Rising Anti-Christian Incidents in Jerusalem: Report Highlights Doubling of Attacks, Including Spitting and Assaults, Amidst Calls for Greater Recognition of Christianity in Public Spaces

In the second quarter of 2026, the Religious Freedom Data Center reported a concerning increase in anti-Christian incidents in Israel, with recorded assaults nearly doubling compared to the first three months of the year. According to the KNA news agency, 83 incidents were documented between April and June, compared to 44 in the first quarter. This surge in hostility was particularly noted in Jerusalem, especially within the Old City, where many Christian holy sites are located.

The majority of these incidents involved spitting, a form of harassment that has long plagued priests, religious figures, and pilgrims in the streets of Jerusalem. Out of the 83 incidents, 68 occurred in Jerusalem, with 46 taking place in the Old City. The report highlights a worrying trend: attacks are becoming more brazen, occurring openly in public spaces with little restraint from perpetrators.

Among the most severe cases was an assault on a French nun near the Old City, who sustained head injuries in a violent attack. The situation escalated during Jerusalem Day, a holiday marked by Jewish nationalist groups commemorating the occupation of East Jerusalem after the 1967 Six-Day War. On this day alone, eight attacks against Christians were recorded. Similarly, during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, seven incidents were documented in a single day.

The Religious Freedom Data Center attributes the rise in violence partly to the spread of hate messages and disinformation campaigns targeting the Christian community online. The organization also points to the limited public recognition of Christianity in Jerusalem as a contributing factor to the hostile climate. It calls on the City Council to afford Christianity the same public recognition as Jewish traditions, suggesting that such visibility could help mitigate hostility.

The report underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing these issues, offering to work with the Israel Defense Forces to train personnel in preventing such behavior. Additionally, the organization is preparing informational materials for tour guides who accompany soldiers through Jerusalem, aiming to foster a more respectful and peaceful environment. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” addressing these challenges requires a commitment to justice, mercy, and peace.

Source: Read the original report