The Rossing Center’s Report on Violence Against Christians in the Holy Land
Every year, the Rossing Center releases a comprehensive report shedding light on the acts of violence committed against Christians in the Holy Land. The latest report for 2024 was presented in Jerusalem on Monday evening.
The Rossing Center, known for its commitment to peace and interreligious dialogue, has been monitoring the rise of violence against Christians in Israel and Palestine through its JCJCR program (Jerusalem Center for Jewish Christian Relations).
In 2024, a total of 111 attacks were recorded, targeting Christians, clergy, churches, monasteries, and religious signs. A concerning trend was the involvement of young ultra-Orthodox Jews associated with religious-nationalist extremism in most of these attacks.
The report also highlighted the growing influence of religious-nationalist extremism in Israeli government policies, creating an environment of constant threat for religious minorities, particularly Christians.
According to a survey conducted by the Rossing Center, 48% of Christian youth under 30 are considering leaving the region due to discrimination, violence, and the deteriorating socio-political situation.
Despite being a minority in Israel, Christians face various challenges. The population of Christians in Israel is only 180,000, with the majority being Arab. In Jerusalem, Christians make up only 4% of the population, compared to 96% Muslims.
The report also highlights the ongoing “Judaization” of Jerusalem, with new Jewish settlements being approved in East Jerusalem and the city’s population becoming increasingly Orthodox Jewish.
The legal framework, including the 2018 Basic Law on “Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People,” has raised concerns about interreligious inclusiveness and division among citizens, potentially fueling violence by extremist groups.
Issues such as tax exemptions for religious denominations and property rights have also caused tensions between municipal authorities and Christian communities, particularly the Custody of the Holy Land.
Furthermore, Christians in the north of the Holy Land face additional challenges due to organized crime activities, leading to a sense of tension and hardship within the community.
The findings of the Rossing Center’s report shed light on the complex dynamics and challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land, urging for greater awareness and efforts towards promoting peace and tolerance in the region.
