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A recent report shows that Christian Zionist support for Israel is accelerating the decline of Christian communities in Palestine. The report was filmed near the River Jordan, traditionally considered the site of Jesus’ baptism.
Christians Face Pressure in Israel and Palestine
Archbishop Hosam Naoum of Jerusalem, a Palestinian Christian, said the Christian population has declined for decades. Major losses followed Israel’s creation in 1948 and its territorial expansion in 1967. Many Christians fled and later formed refugee communities abroad, including in Beirut.
Naoum also accused Israeli policies and settler violence of worsening the exodus. Clergy face harassment, and some churches have been vandalized. Authorities increasingly restrict worship. For example, Easter attendance at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre dropped from 10,000 to around 1,500 due to police limits.
Violence and Restricted Access
In the West Bank, settlers have attacked both Christian and Muslim communities. Naoum cited incidents in Taybeh and Birzeit, including stone attacks and arrests. He also described barriers preventing visits to Gaza’s Al Ahli Arab Hospital, which suffered repeated hits during conflicts.
Peaceful Coexistence in Jordan
Christian Jordanian Saad Mouasher emphasized that Muslims and Christians have lived side by side for over a thousand years. In Jordan, Christians enjoy constitutional protections and representation in government and business. Mouasher stressed that Islam is not hostile to Christianity and noted long-standing interfaith traditions in the region.
The report highlights ongoing challenges for Christians in the Holy Land while showing that coexistence remains possible in neighboring Jordan.
