Israeli Diplomat Warns of Wave of Attacks Against Christians
Tuva Hertzl, an Israeli diplomat and writer, in an unprecedented note criticizing the increase in attacks and disrespect toward Christians in Israel, has described this trend as a threat to international credibility, the tourism industry, and even the moral foundations of Jewish society; while simultaneously international reports reveal growing concerns among Christians living in Jerusalem.
Recent reports and reactions in international media show that concerns about increased attacks on Christians and Christian religious sites in Israel have entered a new phase; an issue that this time has been raised not only by Christian institutions or human rights groups, but also by a veteran Israeli diplomat.
Tuva, the former Israeli ambassador to Baltic countries and South Africa, in a note published in The Jerusalem Post, has warned that attacks on clergy, churches, and Christian symbols are not merely the behavior of extremist fringe groups, but could turn into a moral and political crisis for Israel.
Hertzl, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, emphasizes in this article that Jews, because of their historical experience of discrimination and persecution, have a double moral responsibility to avoid repeating the same behaviors against other minorities when in a position of power. He wrote that harassment of Christians constitutes “a betrayal of Jewish historical memory.”
The former diplomat, in another section of his note, points to the international consequences of such behaviors and warns that repetition of these incidents increases pressure on Israeli diplomats worldwide; especially in circumstances where Christians constitute a large portion of Western public opinion and their perspective on religious freedom in Israel has political and economic significance.
Coinciding with the publication of this note, international media in recent weeks have published a series of reports about increased tensions against Christians in Jerusalem. The Washington Post and Associated Press recently reported on a violent attack on a French nun near the Old City of Jerusalem; an attack whose images provoked widespread reactions internationally.
According to reports, the attacker, identified as a 36-year-old settler, pushed the nun and then kicked her as she fell to the ground. Israeli police later announced that the person had been arrested and charges were filed against him.
The Guardian also described this incident as “a symbol of growing concerns about the safety of Christians in Jerusalem” and wrote that Israeli authorities were forced to condemn the act under public pressure.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera in a report, noting the increase in cases of insults, spitting on clergy, and desecration of Christian religious symbols, quoted interfaith activists as saying that the political climate and rise of extremist movements have emboldened some radicals to commit such acts more boldly.
According to statistics released by the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, which have been reflected in media reports, at least 155 cases of attacks and hostile acts against Christians and their associated sites were recorded in 2025 alone; statistics that include physical assaults, property destruction, and street harassment.
Tuva Hertzl in his article also addresses the argument of some extremist movements that attacks on Christians are a reaction to centuries of persecution of Jews in Europe. He rejected this justification and emphasized that even if part of the Church’s history is intertwined with antisemitism, using it to justify today’s violence against Christians is unacceptable.
He warns in conclusion that silence or weak responses from responsible institutions weaken Israel’s moral credibility; especially when this country asks other nations to combat anti-Jewish attacks worldwide. In his view, indifference to attacks on Christians sends the message that part of Israeli society has not learned from the history of suffering and discrimination it has itself experienced.
