Full Breakdown
Rising Violence Against Christians in Jerusalem: The Attack on a French Nun and a Widening Pattern
5/6/2026, 4:11:50 AM
The Assault on a French Nun in Occupied East Jerusalem
On Tuesday, a 48-year-old French nun was shoved, kicked and left bruised near the Cenacle/King David’s Tomb in Jerusalem’s Old City. Surveillance footage captured the assault; the attacker, wearing tzitzit, was arrested the following day on suspicion of a racially motivated attack. Israeli police described the incident as “despicable” and emphasized “no place” for such violence in Israeli society.
Historical and Political Context
The incident occurs amid a shift toward ultranationalist politics under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Far-right and ultra-Orthodox elements, previously marginal, now hold influential government positions. Analysts link this climate to a rise in open hostility toward Christians, noting that resentment toward Christianity has existed historically but is now expressed more openly.
Scale of Harassment and Violence
- ? 180,000 Christians live in Israel; ? 10,000 reside in East Jerusalem.
- 31 harassment reports (spitting, defacing) were logged in the first quarter of 2024 (Religious Freedom Data Center).
- 113 attacks on individuals and church property were recorded in 2023 (Rossing Center).
- In 2025, the Rossing Center documented 61 physical attacks, 52 acts of vandalism, 28 verbal harassment incidents and 14 defaced Christian signs.
- The Council of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches reported 155 total incidents in 2025, confirming the upward trend.
Key Actors and Organizations
- Hana Bendcowsky, programme director, Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations.
- Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Israeli peace activist.
- Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, analyst, Atlas Global Strategies.
- Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli National Security Minister.
- Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, Religious Freedom Data Center, Israeli police, French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research (ÉBAF).
Official Statements and Institutional Responses
Israeli police announced the arrest and pledged “great sadness” over the assault. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the act “shameful” and contrary to the nation’s values of respect, coexistence and religious freedom. France issued a strong condemnation, and the French government demanded justice. The U.S. Embassy, represented by Ambassador Mike Huckabee, criticized Israel for treating Christian organizations as “adversaries.” Following international outcry over a separate incident involving a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, the Israeli prime minister’s office issued a condemnation and the government appointed a special envoy to the Christian world, George Deek.
Criticism and Opposition
Palestinian Christian leaders—including George Zeina and Mazen Ghandoor—characterized the attacks as “discrimination and racism” aimed at pressuring Palestinians to leave. NGOs such as the Rossing Center warned that the lack of police confidence fuels under-reporting. Ben-Gvir’s claim that spitting on Christians is an “ancient Jewish custom” drew sharp rebuke from both local clergy and international observers.
On-the-Ground Accounts
CCTV showed a Jewish extremist shoving the nun; by-standers intervened. Priest Olivier Catel reported that the nun remains in pain but is “surrounded by support.” Parishioner Pierre (30) said the incident was “not surprising” and feared escalation. A British priest confirmed daily spitting and shouts of “Go home!” directed at clergy.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Incident counts differ: 31 harassment reports (2024 Q1) versus 113 attacks (2023) versus 155 total incidents (2025). Media descriptions of the attacker range from “madman” to “far-right activist with mental illness.” Researchers note many assaults go unreported due to distrust of police and lack of international attention.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The hate and attempt to harass non-Jews by some of the elements, particularly settler elements, knows no bounds,” — Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Israeli peace activist
- “Older evangelicals may be forgiving, but the young are already turning against Israel,” — Shaiel Ben-Ephraim, analyst, Atlas Global Strategies
- “The documentation of this incident comes after Ben-Gvir said in October 2023 that spitting on Christians is an ancient Jewish custom and should not be considered a criminal offense requiring arrest.” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister
- “This shameful act stands in direct contradiction to the values of respect, coexistence, and religious freedom upon which Israel is founded and to which it remains deeply committed.” — Israeli Foreign Ministry (statement)
- “We continue to witness attacks on clergy and churches, alongside attempts to justify such behavior as customs, which is unacceptable,” — George Zeina, Palestinian Christian activist
- “The State of Israel attaches great importance to its relations with the Christian world and with its Christian friends around the world,” — Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar
Outlook and Next Steps
Israeli authorities have pledged continued investigations, while international bodies call for stronger protection of religious minorities. The appointment of a Christian-world envoy and heightened diplomatic scrutiny suggest potential policy reviews, though activists warn that without systematic enforcement, incidents may persist.
