Understanding the Plight of Middle Eastern Christians
Th Christian demographic in regions of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa is facing severe persecution, often overshadowed by other global news. In the Holy Land itself, the number of Palestinian Christians continues to decrease, with Bethlehem’s solemn squares and shuttered souvenir shops painting a stark picture of the decline.
Why It Matters
The decline in the number of Palestinian Christians residing in the land of Israel is a cause for international concern. Recent escalations in conflict between Israel and Hamas have led to muted Christmas celebrations in historical Christian sites like Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. The exodus of this community has detrimental effects on local economies and cultural diversity, raising alarm bells for the global Christian community and advocates for religious freedom.
The Details
The Christian population has historically been under threat in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Incidents include the violent eviction of monks and nuns from the Holy Trinity Monastery in 1997, military use of Christian sites during the Intifada, and the change in municipal boundaries to alter Bethlehem’s demographics forcefully. This continued pressure has resulted in Christians emigrating en masse to countries like Argentina, Chile, Australia, Canada, and the USA.
The Broader Context
The mistreatment of Palestinian Christians mirrors a larger global issue: the widespread persecution of Christians, particularly in Islamic countries. This is highlighted by the stark data from Open Doors, an organization monitoring Christian persecution, which reported over 5,621 Christians killed and 2,100 churches attacked in 2022. The contrast between the international outcry against Israel’s border defenses and the relative silence over the plight of Christians in Arab lands is striking.
Global Response Required
This year’s silent bells in Bethlehem are a clarion call to Christians worldwide to speak out against the persecution of their faith communities across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The underreported struggles of Palestinian Christians and the broader threats to global Christian communities demand attention and action from international advocates for religious freedom and human rights.
Personal Reflection
The writer, a Jewish educator from Efrat, close to Bethlehem, has faced personal tragedy with the loss of loved ones to terrorism. Through his work and writing, he underscores the importance of recognizing and combating religious persecution, appealing for solidarity and action among the Christian populations worldwide to support their brethren in regions marred by strife and intolerance.
This story was first published on jpost.com.