Ongoing Challenges Facing Christians in the Holy Land

A recent report by the Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Christian communities in the Holy Land, particularly in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. The report emphasizes the precarious situation of Christians living in a war zone, exacerbated by violence and unjust taxation. Notably, the Holy Family Church in Gaza was struck by an Israeli explosive in July, resulting in three fatalities and ten injuries. Other Christian sites, including the Church of St Porphyrios and Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, have also suffered damage during the conflict. The Al Ahli Baptist Hospital, which has been operating beyond its capacity, is currently facing shortages of medical supplies and is unable to receive necessary medicines due to restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Despite a ceasefire being in effect, the report indicates that daily life remains challenging for Christians in Gaza. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Church, stated, “The world should know that there are over two million people here who have nothing and need everything.” The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has provided aid to over 12,000 families since the fighting ceased, but the overall situation remains dire. The report also notes a slight improvement in daily life, yet stresses the urgent need for continued support and the strengthening of the ceasefire to ensure aid reaches those in need.

The report raises concerns about increasing attacks on Christian communities in the West Bank, particularly by Israeli settlers. Incidents have been reported in the Christian town of Taybeh, where settlers have targeted local churches and disrupted livelihoods by preventing olive harvesting. The report underscores the need for protection of Christian communities and their places of worship, as settler violence has reportedly intensified since the outbreak of the Gaza war, with few consequences for the perpetrators.

The report also criticizes Israeli authorities for imposing municipal taxes, known as arnona, on church properties, which it argues violate long-standing treaties and agreements. The Armenian Patriarchate is currently facing foreclosure due to arnona debts, while the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate had its bank accounts frozen, a situation that was only resolved following international outcry. Additionally, plans to expand the Jerusalem Walls National Park, advocated by the radical Jewish group Elad, threaten church properties on the Mount of Olives, a site of significant biblical importance. The expansion could limit access for Christian pilgrims and undermine the sanctity of these sites.

The report calls upon the international community to support the rebuilding of church-run institutions and to apply diplomatic pressure regarding the issues raised. It emphasizes the urgent need for economic support to sustain the Christian presence in the Holy Land, which is increasingly at risk due to ongoing violence and financial burdens.

“Threats to Christian heritage - particularly in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza alongside issues of unjustified taxation - are the source of ongoing concerns that threaten the existence of the community and the churches,” — Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem

“At the beginning of the month, Holy Family’s parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, said, “The world should know that there are over two million people here who have nothing and need everything.” — Father Gabriel Romanelli, Parish Priest of Holy Family Church

“External bodies and governments are strongly encouraged to urgently support Church institutions and the Christian presence through economic support, and diplomatic pressure on the specific issues above.” — Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem