Christians in Israel enjoy a higher level of religious freedom than in most other countries in the Middle East, although, being a Jewish state, Jewish citizens receive preferential treatment. Messianic Jews and those who convert from Judaism to Christianity may be branded traitors by ultra-orthodox Jewish organisations, while converts from a Muslim background can face pressure from their families. Some churches and monasteries have been subject to vandalism, and clergy abused, although reported attacks have decreased in recent years.
Growing signs of ISIS activity in Jerusalem
A new Islamist threat to Christians has emerged in Jerusalem, according to Middle East Concern. On 25 June leaflets were distributed in East Jerusalem by a group calling itself Islamic State in Palestine. The leaflets bore the black flag of ISIS and carried a message warning Christians to leave Jerusalem […]
Tiberias: Arson suspected in church fire
The church built in northern Israel, overlooking the Sea of Galilee – to commemorate Christ’s feeding of a multitude out of five loaves and two fish – has been the scene of a suspected arson attack. Two people suffered minor smoke inhalation; the fire was mainly on the roof. Parts […]
Feast of Tabernacles spotlights Christian ‘plight’
“The plight of Christian communities in the Middle East” will be the focus of the six-day Feast of Tabernacles in . Sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, the event is meant to be an occasion to “rejoice in the power of God, remember His past provisions, and celebrate His […]
Anti-Christian slogans in Jerusalem alarm Church
Jerusalem’s Roman Catholic Church has expressed alarm over threats to Christians scrawled by suspected Jewish extremists on church property in the Holy Land. In an incident, known as ‘price-tagging’, “Death to Arabs and Christians and all those who hate Israel” was written in Hebrew on an outer column of the […]
Victims of explosion in Israel lament plea agreement
A Messianic Jewish congregation leader whose son was almost killed by a bomb planted by an ultra-right wing Jew said he feels like the Israeli criminal justice system has abandoned him. On Monday (May 28), the Jerusalem District Court approved a plea agreement for the man accused of bombing pastor […]