In late March we published the annual report of JCJCR offering an in-depth analysis of the harassment and violence directed at Christian communities in Israel and East Jerusalem over the course of 2024. It documents a concerning rise in incidents of intimidation and aggression, particularly targeting clergy and church properties. Additionally, the report examines the socio-political dynamics underpinning this troubling trend, providing critical insights into the factors driving these developments and recommendations to stakeholders about possible concrete steps to address them.
Alongside this Report, a survey the Rossing Center commissioned in December 2024 to assess the sentiments of Christian communities in Israel and East Jerusalem confirmed growing concerns over the perceived erosion of the symbolic and physical spaces Christians have inhabited for millennia. While the rise in harassment against Christians does not appear to be part of an official political agenda, this troubling trend is unfolding in a climate marked by increasing state-backed nationalism and intolerance which has become normalized by the State of Israel.
The webinar hosted by the Rossing Center staff who were responsible for the report and survey that were published:
Hana Bendcowsky – Program Director of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations.
Hussam Elias – Project Director at the Rossing Center and Executive Secretary of the International Christian Committee in Israel.
Federica Sasso – Coordinator of the JCJCR Advocacy and Education Initiative.
The webinar was devoted to presenting and analyzing the findings of the Rossing Center’s recent report and survey. It further examined the growing incidence of violence and offered insights into the underlying factors shaping this reality, with particular emphasis on the complex situation of Christians in the Hole Land, especially in East Jerusalem.
You can watch the recording here:
