Violence, Discrimination, and the Shadow of "Greater Israel

the alleged persecution of Christians in Israel. He highlights the uncomfortable reality that Jewish hardliners are reportedly behind this anti-Christian sentiment.

A recent report from the Rossing Center details the surge in violence against Christians in the Holy Land during 2024. The report indicates that Christians have endured numerous attacks, including physical assaults and acts of vandalism targeting churches, monasteries, and religious symbols. The perpetrators are identified as young, ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The survey results reveal that a significant percentage of young Christians are contemplating leaving Israel, primarily due to the increasing discrimination and violence they face. With a Christian population of approximately 180,000, representing a small percentage of the overall population, the situation is particularly concerning.

Radical Jewish settlers are reportedly escalating their attacks on Taybeh, the last remaining all-Christian town in Palestine. Furthermore, there are reports that Israeli soldiers and police are failing to provide protection to Christian communities.

Mother Agapia Stephanopoulos, a Greek Orthodox nun, has stated that the persecution of Christians, including land grabs, is not solely driven by Israeli settlers but is also a result of state policy. She also points out the destruction of Christian sites in Gaza, including the deliberate targeting of churches by the Israeli military. She emphasizes that these actions are not accidental.

Mother Agapia believes that the targeting of Christians in the Holy Land and beyond is connected to the "Greater Israel" project.