L is not alone in feeling that the intensity of attacks against the city\u2019s Christian community<\/a> is increasing. Over the past few weeks, the Israel Police released a chilling video of a nun being chased down the street by a man, who pushed her to the ground and began kicking her violently. Another video showed a Jewish man standing at the entrance to a church in the Old City\u2019s Armenian Quarter<\/a>, spitting and committing provocations.<\/p>\n While the police later arrested and charged a 36-year-old assailant from the West Bank settlement of Peduel for assaulting the nun, members of the Christian community say concerns over their safety are skyrocketing. They feel little is being done to restore calm.<\/p>\n \u201cThe feeling is that you have to be more cautious and vigilant now, and to pay more attention,\u201d stated L, who says she is not concerned for her own safety and refuses to hide her religious identity.<\/p>\n \u201cI reject concealing my cross,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is who I am, and I am not willing in any case to hide my belief. This country is my home, and I have the right to be here like anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n At a nearby coffee shop, owner Yussef concurred with L, noting that the community was feeling more insecure than ever.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not happy with what\u2019s happening,\u201d he told the Report. \u201cSpitting used to happen every once in a while, but now it\u2019s turned into something normal, and no one is being punished for it. There should be a law to prevent these things and hold people accountable. Assaults need to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n Climate of intimidation<\/strong><\/p>\n According to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, a Jerusalem-based inter-religious organization, there were a total of 155 violent incidents against Christians in Israel in 2025. Physical attacks were the most prevalent, with 61 cases recorded; 52 were incidents against church properties, and the remaining cases involved harassment and the defacement of public Christian signs.<\/p>\n The center reported that the majority of physical attacks targeted clergy \u2013 monks, nuns, friars, and priests \u2013 who are easily identifiable in public due to their distinctive dress and visible Christian symbols.<\/p>\n \u201cSpitting continued to be the most common expression of hostility, and what was once often carried out covertly is now frequently performed openly,\u201d the report stated.<\/p>\n \u201cWe also should look at the bigger picture,\u201d Hana Bendcowsky, Program Director at the Rossing Center told the Report. \u201cThis violent behavior reflects the growing violence in our society.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n While the increase in violence, there were some 111 cases 2024, is still a relatively limited phenomenon, Bendcowsky said, she noted that the damage is significant.<\/p>\n \u201cJews from abroad are also ultimately affected by incidents like these that occur here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is far from humanity,\u201d said Naji Mansour, who owns a currency exchange business in the Old City. \u201cIt is very disturbing to even hear that such things take place. We were taught to love each other, not to hate. Christians are a peaceful community. The people who commit these acts are causing hatred.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Wearing](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/721675.jpeg\"\/)
Wearing a habit and other religious symbols, nuns in Jerusalem are not able to hide their identity, making them a target of hate crimes. (credit: Dana Ben-Shimon)<\/p>\n
![\"Yussef,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/721676.jpeg\"\/)
Yussef, in his coffee shop in the Old City. He says Jerusalem\u2019s Christian community is feeling more vulnerable than ever. (credit: Dana Ben-Shimon)<\/p>\n