ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED IN ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES? A TRUTHFUL AND BALANCED ANALYSIS By Josimar Salum

 

               *A portrait by AI: Town of Taybeh (Ephraim)

ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED IN ISRAEL AND THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES? A TRUTHFUL AND BALANCED ANALYSIS

By Josimar Salum 

July 15, 2025

The condition of Christians in the Holy Land—specifically in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza—is a complex and often misunderstood subject. Accusations of persecution, discrimination, or neglect are frequently made from various ideological standpoints. But what do the facts say? Are Christians persecuted in Israel? What about in the Palestinian Territories? And how do these conditions compare?

This article aims to offer an honest, well-documented, and biblically-informed overview of the status of Christians living in the land that bears the spiritual heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam alike.

Biblical and Historical Context

From a biblical perspective, the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people by divine covenant:

“I will give to you and your descendants after you the land… as an everlasting possession.” — Genesis 17:8

For believers who accept the authority of Scripture, Israel is not an occupying power—it is the rightful heir to the land promised by God. This fundamental truth is not always acknowledged in international law or politics, which use the term “occupation” for post-1967 territories. But for many Christians, that term is a misrepresentation of God’s covenantal promises.

Christians in Israel: Legal Rights and Religious Freedom

Christians living within the recognized borders of the State of Israel—in cities like Nazareth, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Jaffa—enjoy full legal rights and freedom of religion. The law guarantees their right to worship, gather, evangelize (with some limitations in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods), and operate schools and churches without restriction.

Many Christians in Israel are citizens with equal civil rights, and some serve in public roles as judges, parliamentarians, lawyers, professors, and even IDF officers. Public celebrations of Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are common in cities with large Christian populations, and Israel protects access to major holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Beatitudes, and others.

While state-sponsored persecution does not exist, Christians sometimes experience social discrimination, especially from radical fringe groups. Isolated acts of vandalism, verbal abuse, and disrespect toward clergy or Christian symbols have been reported—particularly in Jerusalem—by extremist elements in the ultra-Orthodox community. These acts, though serious, are consistently condemned by Israeli officials, and while enforcement can sometimes be inconsistent, the State of Israel defends the legal rights of its Christian citizens.

Christians in the Palestinian Territories: West Bank and Gaza

The situation for Christians in the Palestinian-administered territories—particularly under Hamas in Gaza—is markedly different.

In Gaza: Clear and Documented Persecution

Gaza, ruled by Hamas since 2007, has become increasingly hostile to the small Christian community that once lived there. The Christian population has plummeted from around 3,000 to fewer than 1,000, primarily due to persecution and fear. Christians have been subjected to harassment, threats, forced conversions, property destruction, and even murder. One widely reported case was the 2007 assassination of Rami Ayyad, a Christian bookstore manager, by Islamic extremists.

Under Hamas, religious freedom for Christians is practically nonexistent. Evangelism is dangerous, Christian education is heavily restricted, and public Christian celebrations like Christmas are discouraged or suppressed. Christians who remain in Gaza live under constant pressure and often in silence.

In the West Bank: Social Pressure, External Threats, and Legal Vulnerability

In contrast to Gaza, the West Bank (administered by the Palestinian Authority) presents a more nuanced and layered reality. There is no formal law outlawing Christianity, but Christians still face social and institutional pressures in majority-Muslim communities. While there are towns like Taybeh—also known biblically as Ephraim—where Christians form the majority and maintain strong traditions, Christian minorities in other areas often report land theft, discrimination, and harassment.

A particularly violent incident occurred in 2005, when a Muslim mob attacked and burned Christian homes in Taybeh following a rumor of an interfaith relationship. Though the PA condemned the violence, justice was slow, and Christian leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protections.

More recently, on July 7, 2025, the Christian town of Taybeh was again the target of violence—this time by radical Jewish settlers, who set fire near the ancient Church of St. George and its adjacent cemetery, causing widespread alarm in the community. The Israeli government condemned the attack publicly. However, critics pointed out that no concrete protective measures were taken, and no arrests were made. While Taybeh lies in Area B, under Palestinian civil administration, Christian leaders emphasized that Israel controls the surrounding security environment and urged Israeli authorities to prevent such acts of aggression in the future.

In addition to these social and security threats, Christians in the West Bank are affected by Israeli-imposed security restrictions, including checkpoints, border controls, and a complex permit system. These are tied to legitimate national security concerns but nonetheless hinder Christian mobility, economic stability, and access to Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Furthermore, economic hardship and political instability have fueled a steady emigration trend. Many West Bank Christians—often educated and internationally connected—have emigrated to the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe in search of safety, opportunity, and religious freedom.

How Do These Realities Compare?

To summarize:

• In Israel, Christians enjoy religious freedom, civil rights, and state protection. While incidents of harassment exist, especially from radical individuals, there is no government policy of persecution, and Christians thrive in many aspects of public and spiritual life.

• In the West Bank, Christians live under a difficult balance: they are not officially persecuted by the Palestinian Authority but face social hostility in some Muslim-majority areas, lack strong legal protection, and are sometimes victims of external settler violence. Israeli security controls, while meant for national protection, further complicate access to worship sites and economic activity.

• In Gaza, Christians are openly persecuted under Hamas rule. Their religious rights are denied, their safety is threatened, and their community is rapidly disappearing. This is a clear and ongoing case of religious oppression under a radical Islamist regime.

A Word to Believers

As followers of Christ, we must approach this issue with both truth and compassion. Christians in Israel are, by and large, safe and free. In the Palestinian territories—especially Gaza—the situation is far more precarious and dangerous. The sharp decline of Christians in the very land of its birth is deeply troubling and demands our attention, our intercession, and our voice.

We must support Israel’s right to exist and flourish, acknowledging its vital role in protecting religious minorities, including Christians, in a hostile region. At the same time, we must defend our persecuted brothers and sisters under Palestinian and Islamist regimes and resist attempts to politicize or downplay their suffering. Our concern must be rooted not in ideology, but in the unshakable truth of God’s Word and love for His people.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

‘May those who love you be secure.’”

— Psalm 122:6

#ASONE

“THE UNDILUTED TRUTH ABOUT ‘CHRISTIANITY’” BY DONALD I. AND JOSIMAR SALUM

 “THE UNDILUTED TRUTH ABOUT ‘CHRISTIANITY’” BY DONALD I. AND JOSIMAR SALUM

We are not Christians as defined by religion. We are disciples—followers of Christ.

What is called “Christianity” is not what Jesus taught.

It is not the true worship of God, even though many “Christians” claim to worship Him.

It is not believing in Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures, even though many profess His name.

It is not attending church services, even though millions gather weekly around religious traditions.

So, what is Christianity?

Christianity is a religious system—a human structure that often mimics the truth but does not embody it.

It can imitate the life of Christ, but it is not His life.

It can preach about righteousness, yet often lacks the manifestation of righteousness through the Spirit.

It promotes form without transformation.

It proclaims God while often lacking His presence.

True discipleship is not Christianity. It is the outworking of Christ’s life in us through the Holy Spirit.

It is the daily walk of Christ in us—not through religion, but through revelation, intimacy, and obedience to the Spirit of Christ.

The Word of God is not just heard or spoken—it is lived.

A disciple does not merely attend services—they manifest the Kingdom of God in every area of life.

We are not called to be religious “Christians” living by the flesh. We are called to be sons of God, walking by the Spirit, revealing Christ through love, obedience, holiness, and truth.

Religion cannot produce this. Only the Spirit can.

This is the Ekklesia—those who are called out of the world system, not to practice a religion about Christ (which He neither founded nor endorses), but to walk in union with Christ, in fellowship with those who are like Him.

#ASONE

THE TRUMP FACTOR AND THE UKRAINE WAR

THE TRUMP FACTOR AND THE UKRAINE WAR

Braulia I. Ribeiro 

   The inability of some Christians to recognize the evil of war and their tendency to confuse ideals with attainable goals baffles me.  

   If you are posting today that you "stand with Ukraine," you are likely expressing admiration for the courage of Ukrainians fighting for their sovereignty (or *freedom,* as some say)—which I, too, find admirable. 

   However, words and slogans are not just abstract expressions; they represent real events happening to real people in the real world.   

   What does it mean for Ukraine to keep fighting? More death. 

   Death and destruction on a massive scale. Young men being conscripted to face North Korean and Russian troops in brutal battles. If more countries join the battle, the looming shadow of World War III will be over all of us. And let’s not forget—Russia is a nuclear power and that 1.5 million people have lost their lives so far. 

   At this point, what does the ideal that Ukraine is fighting for even mean in practical terms? It certainly does not mean that Russia will return Crimea or the  eastern territories  that Putin has annexed.  Putin will not give them up, everyone knows. 

   So why is Zelensky refusing the peace agreement Trump is proposing, which offers him the same territorial outcome but with the added assurance of U.S. protection—a result of America's vested interest in Ukraine’s mineral resources? 

   This deal would allow Zelensky to secure U.S. protection without NATO membership, retain most of Ukraine's territory, end the bloodshed, and allow the world—especially Europe—to breathe again.  

   Yet, instead of pursuing peace, Zelensky has become a puppet of interests that do not prioritize the Ukrainian people. His refusal to negotiate is not about sovereignty or national survival—it is about undermining Trump on the world stage.  

   If you truly stand with Ukraine, consider this: The only real opportunity to stop Russia’s war machine was offered by the very man you love to hate—the "bad orange man."

   The moral position on this war is to pray for its end—that is my view.

   But as many have said about me, don’t bother considering my opinion. After all, I must be ignorant, since I don’t judge every single event through the "Trump factor."

   If he’s involved? Bad.

   If he’s not? Good.

   Simple as that, right?

“Revival”: Mosques are closed in Iran and Muslims accept Jesus

“Revival”: Mosques are closed in Iran and Muslims accept Jesus 8/14/24 Guiame.com.br Translated by Josimar Salum Despite local persecution, many are abandoning Islam and finding hope in Jesus. Amid the climate of war in the Middle East, there are reports that many Muslims are experiencing a spiritual awakening. With this, mosques are also closing. In Iran, an anonymous internal survey found that 80% of Iranians prefer a democratic government, and many are leaving Islam. Todd Nettleton, from The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), explained: "You have a country with one of the highest rates of drug addiction in the world. You have a country where corruption runs rampant. You have a country where more than half of the people live below the poverty line." "And the people of Iran are looking at this and saying, 'Wait a minute. If this is what Islam has brought us for the last 45 years, we're not interested. We want to know what the other options are,'" he added. According to Nettleton, many are choosing Jesus, with at least a million Muslims reportedly abandoning Islam to follow Christ. With about 50,000 of the country's 75,000 mosques currently closed, the leader said the country's regime is not happy. "They are looking to solidify their power and crush any kind of dissent," Nettleton said. He continued, "We've heard several stories this year of Bible study and a house church being raided. There, everyone is photographed and interrogated. But then they are arrested and put in jail." Furthermore, Nettleton noted that family and friends are more tolerant than the government about abandoning Islam. “They’re like, ‘If you’ve found something that works for you, then I’m happy. I know Islam doesn’t work,’” he explained. Dreams and Visions Don Shenk, executive director of The Tide Ministry, said he believes what’s happening in the country represents “what’s happening in the Islamic world.” He said Muslims are having dreams and visions that lead them to find purpose and a new perspective on God. “Many are saying, ‘Now I understand that God loves me. I always thought God wanted to punish me,’” he explained.  There’s an awakening happening all over the Muslim world, not just in Iran,” he added. Shenk noted that people are being reached with the gospel through radio broadcasts in Afghanistan, where the Taliban pose a great danger to those seeking information from secret Christians in the country. “There’s a lot of suspicion. If I go and meet these people and share that I’m now a believer, they think, ‘Are they really true believers or are they just trying to identify me?’” he said. “It’s more than just being ostracized or rejected by your family. It’s actually the threat of death. So accepting a new life in Christ means accepting the possibility that your life will end in this world,” he added. Christianity is also spreading in Yemen, where the Joshua Project reported that Christian growth is nearly double the global average. In addition, Nettleton sees the Saudi Arabian monarchy becoming a bit more tolerant of Christians and their churches. “Not necessarily welcoming them with open arms, obviously. But just the understanding that it could happen, that there could be Christians here. And maybe that’s not the worst thing in the world.” This is such a huge shift from what we would have seen 10, 15 or 20 years ago,” he explained. This awakening is bringing about changes that could transform not just Iran, but the entire Middle East. https://guiame.com.br/gospel/mundo-cristao/avivamento-mesquitas-sao-fechadas-no-ira-e-muculmanos-aceitam-jesus.html

WHY MANY CHRISTIANS DANCE IN THEIR CHURCHES? IS IT ALLOWED TO DANCE IN THE CHURCH? Josimar Salum

WHY MANY CHRISTIANS DANCE IN THEIR CHURCHES? IS IT ALLOWED TO DANCE IN THE CHURCH? Josimar Salum

The Bible says “Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” Psalms‬ ‭30‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭‬‬

They dance because Jesus has turned their sadness into dancing. 

““Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬ ‭‬‬

““To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 

For John came neither eating nor drinking (wine), and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking (wine), and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”” Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭‬‬

“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. 

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. 

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalms‬ ‭149‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭‬‬

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.”” Exodus‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ 

#ASONE

PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS

PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS
youversion.com

Note: The term “Christians” used in this article refers to those who are true followers of Jesus. “Christians” are the ones who are born again, who have personal relationship with Jesus, who has received Jesus as their Lord and King and as result they have become sons of God.

Many Christians think that God considers some workers more valuable than others—and at the top of the rung are missionaries, pastors and other people with “spiritual” vocations. 

If we’re honest, most of us probably buy into this thinking to some degree and believe there is a divide between the sacred and secular. After all, social workers and grant writers are more important to society than waste collectors and cashiers, right?

But that’s not true. During the Protestant Reformation, a doctrine was developed that has significantly altered the way many Christians understand themselves and their relation to God and others: the priesthood of all believers.

In sum, it teaches that all believers—no matter their personal history, ethnicity, occupation, you name it—are priests before God.

Prior to the Reformation, the western church taught that only clergy (ordained priests) had a sacred calling from God. But according to the apostle Peter, all Christians are priests: 

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9). 

Peter hearkens back to Exodus 19:6, where God tells Israel, “you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

Although the people of Israel failed in their priestly calling, Christ has restored to believers our true identity as royal priests. 

In him, we stand on equal footing with one another, and each of us has a vital role in carrying out God’s work.

There is one body, consisting of various parts, and one head, Christ. Each member, though distinct from the others, performs a different function and is equally vital for the health of the body.

Connecting

Christians are equally important, serving one Lord, yet they fulfill different roles for the sake of the church and the good of society. 

What makes work sacred is not the type of work that we do but the work of Christ in us. Those who have been baptized into Christ all have equal standing and have been called by him to do work that not only bears dignifying significance, but also gives glory to God. 

No matter what line of work you’re in, you have a special calling from God to work for his glory and for the benefit of others.

Do you see your work as part of God’s calling on your life to be his priest, representing him in the work that you do?

————

Such a powerful truth if only the body of Christ could understand this truth, the world would be such a better place. People would be free from guilt of not serving God if they are not a pastor, teacher, etc. 

Jesus, give the people ears to hear this truth!  Amen

Dr. Paul Taylor

#JSalum #ASONE

"Silent Night": Persecuted Palestinian Christians Kept Out of Sight. By Raymond Ibrahim

"Silent Night": Persecuted Palestinian Christians Kept Out of Sight.
By Raymond Ibrahim

December 22, 2019 at 5:00 am
Source: Gatestoneinstitute.org

In short, Palestinian Christians are suffering from the same patterns of persecution — including church attacks, kidnappings and forced conversion — that their coreligionists suffer in other Muslim nations. The difference, however, is that the persecution of Palestinian Christians has "received no coverage in the Palestinian media."

"The only thing that interests the PA [Palestinian Authority] is that events of this kind not be leaked to the media. Fatah regularly exerts heavy pressure on Christians not to report the acts of violence and vandalism from which they frequently suffer, as such publicity could damage the PA's image..... Even less does the PA want to be depicted as a radical entity that persecutes religious minorities. That image could have negative repercussions for the massive international, and particularly European, aid the PA receives." — Dr. Edy Cohen, "The Persecution of Christians in the Palestinian Authority

“The moment they [Hamas] took control [of the Gaza Strip], they started persecuting us, ruining our churches and forcing Christians to convert to Islam."

The disciples of Yeshua are on the verge of disappearing in the place of its birth, including Bethlehem. According to lawyer and scholar Justus Reid Weiner, "The systematic persecution of Christian Arabs living in Palestinian areas is being met with nearly total silence by the international community, human rights activists, the media and NGOs... In a society where Arab Christians have no voice and no protection it is no surprise that they are leaving."
—-
Don’t be fooled. Islamism hates Jesus and His disciples. Where Muslims control,the Church is persecuted, Jesus disciples are killed and there is no liberty to preach the Gospel.

#JSalum #ASONE

We are not Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ!

We are not Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ

By Josimar Salum, based on an article by Ed René Kivitz 

We are just followers of Jesus Christ. We follow his footsteps. And if he died, also we died. And if he was resurrected by the power of God, we will also be resurrected at the last day. And now we no longer live for ourselves, but for our God who gave us life when we live for others.

We have no temple or altar, because we do not do animal sacrifices. We need not go to the temple or offer anything in any altar because Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  

We do not offer more sacrifices on the altar, because our life is a sacrifice to God. We give ourselves over to our God as a living sacrifice, the true act of worship is to live for him. Everything we do, we do for the glory of our God. In fact it is not what we do or do not do it is the act of worship, but we ourselves, that is, our life itself, consequently, everything we do is an act of worship. We take care of people, those who are close; all that cross our path. This is worship.  

For the same reason also we do not have priests, because we do not need people to make sacrifices for us on an altar or in a temple, because our life is that it is the sacrifice, the altar is the Cross of Jesus and we are the temple. Alone, individually I am not the temple. Collectively we are the temple. And we are priests, but none of us are a religious authority. We have no one greatest among us, only Jesus Christ. Only Jesus is greater! He is alive among us right here, right now! And we have no holy men in our religion. There are holy men around the world, but NOT holy men of a religion. In fact, we do not have a religion.

We do not have a sacred day. Sunday is not the the Day of the Lord, every day is the Lord's.  Our ancestors had a holy day: the Sabbath. But that was in the time when we needed to go to the temple to take animals so that our priests had to sacrifice them. Now that we surrender to our God as a living sacrifice, the true act of worship is to live for Him. And we live for Him while living for our neighbors in any day, any time.

Let us be clear: we do not have a religion! We are followers of Jesus, we are not Christians because Christianity is not the religion of Jesus Christ. Christianity is the religion of Constantine, the Roman emperor. Because it was Constantine who began reassembling all that Jesus Christ had dismounted. It was he who began to build temples dedicated to God, officiated a day of the week for worship, invented to worship God is something that is done in temples, appointed priests, and started this mess that we see today. 

Jesus taught that we do not need temples, altars, priests, sacrifices and holy days. Ah! He taught that He loved us as we love each other, serve each other, pray for each other, build each other up, comfort each other, support each other and embrace each other. We are not independent, neither we act independently, we depend on God and we are His body as we are individually members of one another. We are His sheep in His Church and we are His disciples in His Kingdom and thus never act independent of each other, we are never alone. Yes, Jesus taught that God is Spirit and they that worship him, must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Jesus Christ is God.