Young Man Accused of Spitting on Church in Jerusalem Over Ideological Hatred Toward Christians

A 19-year-old man from Yahar has been charged with religious insult after spitting at the door of the Shemaham Church of Notre Dame in East Jerusalem. The State Prosecutor’s Office alleges the act was motivated by ideology and hatred toward Christians and Arabs. The incident, which took place in July 2025, occurred during a tour of the Old City, where the individual spat at the entrance of the Church of Christ. The prosecution is expected to seek a prison sentence in practice.

The Old City of Jerusalem has seen similar incidents in the past, with ultra-Orthodox individuals spitting at Christians. These acts are considered violations of religious respect and are addressed under Article 27A of the Copyright Act. The prosecution has emphasized the intent to degrade religion, framing the act as a deliberate affront to Christian institutions.

Public reaction to such incidents has been widespread, with past events, including Jews spitting at pilgrims at the Lions Gate, condemned across communities. Rabbi Meir Zvi Bergman, a leader of the ultra-Orthodox public, has denounced the behavior as a complete prohibition and blasphemy. The Flag of the Torah party also issued a formal condemnation, calling for an immediate halt to such acts.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously addressed the issue, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to maintaining the sacred right to prayer on religious sites. He has stated that the state strongly condemns any attempt to intimidate worshippers and will take immediate action against such phenomena.

Extremists have attempted to justify these acts, with Elisha Yarda, a former spokesman for the Limor Sun Har Melech Knesset, arguing that “greening next to priests or churches is an ancient Jewish custom.” Such justifications have been met with strong opposition from religious and community leaders who emphasize the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining religious freedom and public witness in the Holy Land. As Christians and other faith communities navigate these tensions, the call for justice, mercy, and accountability remains central to the pursuit of peace and neighbor-love. Romans 12:18 reminds us to live in harmony and seek the good of others, a principle that should guide all interactions in the region.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)