Eight Jews arrested in Jerusalem for spitting on Christian churches

JERUSALEM — Reports of Jewish violations against Christians in the Holy Land, particularly in Jerusalem’s Old City, continue, raising concerns about growing religious tensions.

Israeli police released footage showing the arrest of several Jewish individuals accused of spitting on Christian churches.

Authorities confirmed the detention of eight Israelis of varying ages who participated in the opening of the Adar Festival in the Old City. “During their passage in front of Christians and their churches, they spat and insulted Christianity,” the police reported.

These actions risk escalating tensions among Jerusalem’s religious communities, especially as Muslims prepare to observe Ramadan. Incidents like these challenge the coexistence of diverse faiths in the region.

The police emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for hatred and vandalism targeting any religious group, stating, “Violating and vandalizing holy places and the premises of religious communities is completely unacceptable. We will not tolerate hatred toward Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any human being in the city.”

Despite these reassurances, violence against Christians in Jerusalem’s Old City appears to be on the rise. Church leaders in the city have expressed alarm, noting a marked increase in Jewish attacks, particularly since the Israel-Hamas war on 7 October 2023.