Jerusalem Christians Concerned by Rising Religious Tensions Following Attack on Nun
Jewish Extremist's Assault on Catholic Nun Sparks Outrage and Fears Among Jerusalem's Christian Community
JERUSALEM: The attack on a Catholic nun in Jerusalem, captured on CCTV and widely shared this week, has caused alarm among the city's Christian community.
However, for those attending Sunday mass at Saint Stephen’s Basilica, it was just another instance of mounting religious hostility in an already tense atmosphere.
The assault took place on Tuesday, showing a Jewish extremist shoving the nun to the ground before bystanders intervened.
The incident has left many Christians worried, though not entirely surprised, as such events have become increasingly frequent over recent years.
Father Olivier Catel, who led Sunday's service and has been in Jerusalem for over a decade, recounted how isolated incidents of harassment were once rare.
Now, he says, they occur nearly daily, with ultra-orthodox Jews often spitting on Christian clergy as they go about their business.
The Rossing Center, an association focused on inter-religious dialogue, documented 61 physical attacks against Christians in Israel and East Jerusalem during 2025, including spitting, the use of pepper spray, and physical blows.
Additionally, there were 28 cases of verbal harassment and 52 instances of defaced church property.
A British priest who requested anonymity confirmed that such incidents are a daily occurrence, often met with spitting or shouts of 'go home.'
Pierre, a 30-year-old parishioner, expressed his lack of surprise at the attack, stating that many expected hostilities to escalate, potentially even leading to death if action isn’t taken.
He recalled an incident where a man in a supermarket told his son in Hebrew that a priest 'should be killed,' hinting at a growing threat.
The assault occurred near the Old City of Jerusalem, a hotspot for Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Witnesses described the attacker as a 'madman,' with Israeli media attributing him to far-right activism and a history of mental health issues.
Rabbi Uriel Levisohn, 28, expressed disbelief at how common such incidents have become, though he held onto hope that this would be the last time something similar occurred.
In contrast, those leaving Sunday's service expressed skepticism in the effectiveness of Israeli authorities' response to these mounting tensions, pointing towards rising 'supremacist' rhetoric among officials.
Recent events, including an Israeli soldier destroying a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon during combat with militant group Hezbollah, have also fueled concern.
Despite growing fears, Father Catel has refused to live in fear.
He continues to visit the Old City and goes about his duties in his robes, though he avoids certain areas.
His determination not to change his habits exemplifies the resilience of Jerusalem's Christian community amidst rising religious tensions.
However, for those attending Sunday mass at Saint Stephen’s Basilica, it was just another instance of mounting religious hostility in an already tense atmosphere.
The assault took place on Tuesday, showing a Jewish extremist shoving the nun to the ground before bystanders intervened.
The incident has left many Christians worried, though not entirely surprised, as such events have become increasingly frequent over recent years.
Father Olivier Catel, who led Sunday's service and has been in Jerusalem for over a decade, recounted how isolated incidents of harassment were once rare.
Now, he says, they occur nearly daily, with ultra-orthodox Jews often spitting on Christian clergy as they go about their business.
The Rossing Center, an association focused on inter-religious dialogue, documented 61 physical attacks against Christians in Israel and East Jerusalem during 2025, including spitting, the use of pepper spray, and physical blows.
Additionally, there were 28 cases of verbal harassment and 52 instances of defaced church property.
A British priest who requested anonymity confirmed that such incidents are a daily occurrence, often met with spitting or shouts of 'go home.'
Pierre, a 30-year-old parishioner, expressed his lack of surprise at the attack, stating that many expected hostilities to escalate, potentially even leading to death if action isn’t taken.
He recalled an incident where a man in a supermarket told his son in Hebrew that a priest 'should be killed,' hinting at a growing threat.
The assault occurred near the Old City of Jerusalem, a hotspot for Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Witnesses described the attacker as a 'madman,' with Israeli media attributing him to far-right activism and a history of mental health issues.
Rabbi Uriel Levisohn, 28, expressed disbelief at how common such incidents have become, though he held onto hope that this would be the last time something similar occurred.
In contrast, those leaving Sunday's service expressed skepticism in the effectiveness of Israeli authorities' response to these mounting tensions, pointing towards rising 'supremacist' rhetoric among officials.
Recent events, including an Israeli soldier destroying a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon during combat with militant group Hezbollah, have also fueled concern.
Despite growing fears, Father Catel has refused to live in fear.
He continues to visit the Old City and goes about his duties in his robes, though he avoids certain areas.
His determination not to change his habits exemplifies the resilience of Jerusalem's Christian community amidst rising religious tensions.
