Christians in Israel, who make up less than 2% of the country’s population, are worried that visible signs of their faith will draw harassment, which has increased as multiple conflicts grip the region.

Rising Tensions

Many Christians in Israel are relying on their faith and support from allies, including Jewish volunteers, to cope with the rising harassment and violence. Sister Mayela, a Mexican nun who has lived in Jerusalem on and off for more than two decades, now walks to work accompanied by a Jewish volunteer for protection.

The Israeli government has appointed a new envoy to the Christian world, Ambassador George Deek, who is tasked with building a “special relationship” between Christians and the country. Deek has denounced the recent violent attack on a Catholic nun and has pledged to ensure that Israel continues to be a place where Christians can thrive.

Interfaith Efforts

Despite the challenges, many Christians and Jews are working together to promote coexistence and understanding. The Rev. Alberto Pari, who leads interfaith dialogue and Christian-Jewish relations, has emphasized the importance of not generalizing and of promoting mutual respect and understanding.

The Religious Freedom Data Center has recorded a near-tripling of incidents of harassment against Christians in Jerusalem over the past four years, with virtually all of the incidents being perpetrated by Jewish religious nationalists.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.