Israel Faces Backlash Over Rising Anti-Christian Hate Crimes After Nun Attack In Jerusalem

French Consulate in Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack, while France’s Foreign Minister called it a “heinous act” and demanded exemplary punishment.

According to police footage, a man wearing a traditional Jewish garment ran up from behind and pushed the nun to the ground.

A violent attack on a French nun in East Jerusalem has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny over rising incidents targeting Christians in Israel and the occupied territories.

The assault took place near the Cenacle on Mount Zion, close to Jerusalem’s Old City walls, a site revered by Christians as the location of the Last Supper and by Jews as the tomb of King David.

According to police footage, a man wearing a traditional Jewish garment ran up from behind and pushed the nun to the ground. He then appeared to walk away before returning and repeatedly kicking her as she lay on the ground. A passerby who attempted to intervene was also reportedly involved in a scuffle with the attacker.

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Footage shared by authorities showed visible bruising on the right side of the nun’s face. The victim, a 48-year-old researcher affiliated with the École Biblique et Archéologique Française de Jérusalem, sustained injuries to her face and other parts of her body, according to AFP. The head of the institute said she has chosen not to speak publicly about the incident.

Israeli police later confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect, stating that it treats “with utmost severity” any violent act driven by potentially racist motives against members of the clergy.

The incident drew sharp reactions. The French Consulate in Jerusalem strongly condemned the attack, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called it a “heinous act” and demanded exemplary punishment.

Israel’s foreign ministry also denounced it as a “shameful act,” reaffirming its commitment “to safeguarding freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all faiths”.

Man spits on church door 

Separately, a widely circulated video from East Jerusalem’s Cathedral of Saint James has intensified concerns. The footage appears to show an “Israeli settler” spitting at the entrance of the church multiple times while staring into the camera, before gesturing offensively and making a mocking cross sign.

The incident, which has been widely shared online, has drawn strong criticism. However, there has been no official response from Israeli authorities, and the video has not been independently verified.

IDF soldiers destroy Jesus statue 

Concerns have also been raised over an earlier incident in southern Lebanon last month, where two Israeli soldiers were reportedly removed from combat duty after hitting a statue of Jesus Christ with a sledgehammer in a Christian village. A photo of the incident also went viral on social media.

The act sparked international condemnation and led to disciplinary action, including 30 days military detention for those involved.

Growing pattern of religious tensions

The incidents come amid wider reports of tensions involving Christian communities in Israel and the occupied territories, including restrictions on religious access during major observances last month. There was an international outcry after Israeli police stopped the top Roman Catholic leader in Jerusalem from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for a private Mass on Palm Sunday.

The Latin Patriarchate had said it was the first time in centuries that such an incident had taken place. Police said they acted due to safety concerns due to the ongoing war in Iran, although limited access was still allowed for small gatherings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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