Krzysztof Bronk – Vatican
Unprecedented violence
La Croix reports on the escalation of hostility towards Christians. Israeli Jesuit Father David Neuhaus, quoted in the newspaper, notes that the government tries to present these attacks as isolated incidents. The truth, however, is different. “They are part of a climate of unprecedented violence that affects not only Christians. In Israel, there is a sense of rejection of others, fueled by a very strong ethnocentric and nationalist policy,” says Father Neuhaus.
Christians do not feel welcome here
The acts of hostility towards Christians, which have been escalating for several months, are primarily committed by ultra-Orthodox followers of Judaism: spitting, beating, pepper spray attacks, attacks targeting individuals wearing visible Christian symbols, as well as religious sites. These cases are documented by the Rossing Center, a center for interreligious relations. As its director Hana Bendcowsky says, “this phenomenon reinforces among Christians the feeling that they are not welcome in their own home. They are afraid to speak out, to wear religious symbols.”
Do not wear a habit or a cross
This is also confirmed by the superior of the Assumptionists in Jerusalem, quoted by La Croix. “I have asked the brothers and sisters to be especially careful, to avoid visibly wearing a cross or habit, and to avoid being alone in certain places,” said Father Jean-Luc Eckert.
Brutal attack on a nun
The tightening of precautionary measures is a reaction to the assault on a French nun, which occurred in Jerusalem on April 28. This incident caused great commotion worldwide. The perpetrator has been apprehended. “We expect a punishment proportionate to the seriousness of this act,” said Father Olivier Poquillon OP, director of the French Biblical and Archaeological School in Jerusalem, with which the victim of the assault is associated.
A signal for Christians abroad
In response to the escalating anti-Christian acts of hostility, the Israeli government has created a new position of special envoy for relations with the Christian world. “This is a signal directed at Christians abroad who support Israel. However, I doubt that this appointment will change the reality in which Christians living in Israel find themselves,” believes Father Neuhaus.
