A new report has documented an increase in the number of incidents targeting Christians in Jerusalem

According to data from the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC) published in the second quarter of 2026, 83 cases of persecution of Christians were recorded in Israel. Most of the incidents occurred in Jerusalem’s Old City, where believers face spitting, physical attacks, vandalism, and online harassment.

As reported by Zivotcrkve.rs, RFDC Director Yiska Harani notes the overt nature of the attacks, which are often carried out in broad daylight. The report emphasizes that such aggression often occurs during major religious and national holidays, such as Shavuot and Jerusalem Day. Of particular concern is the involvement of children in such acts, as well as instances of disrespect toward holy sites by some military personnel.

To combat this trend, a special service was established to protect and escort clergy in the Old City, with the support of the Israeli Center for Religious Action (IRAC). The report also emphasizes the need for a more inclusive representation of Christian symbols in Jerusalem’s public spaces. According to the study’s authors, the lack of such representation contributes to growing hostility from certain segments of society.

In addition, the authors of the initiative emphasize the importance of educational measures. In their view, the lack of knowledge among schoolchildren and military personnel about the Christian presence in the country is one of the causes of conflict; therefore, the organization is actively collaborating with government agencies to implement educational programs for tourist groups and students.