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Police Arrest Suspect After CCTV Captures Attack on French Nun

5/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Police arrested a 36-year-old suspect after CCTV captured him attacking a French nun near Jerusalem’s Old City, leaving her bruised.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the assault as violating the nation’s values of respect, coexistence and religious freedom.
Analysts note that police distrust contributes to under-reporting of the 113 sectarian attacks on Christians in East Jerusalem recorded in the past year.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War ended Jordanian restrictions, restored Jewish access to the Western Wall and placed Christian holy sites under Israeli administration. The Christian population fell from roughly 30,000 in 1967 to 12,000 by 2020—a 60 % decline—fueling the 113 sectarian attacks reported in 2024, prompting UN and Vatican warnings.

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Story summary

Police arrested a 36-year-old suspect after CCTV captured him attacking a French nun near Jerusalem’s Old City, leaving her bruised.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the assault as violating the nation’s values of respect, coexistence and religious freedom.
Analysts note that police distrust contributes to under-reporting of the 113 sectarian attacks on Christians in East Jerusalem recorded in the past year.

1 / 2