Attacks against Christians in Israel double: spitting, assaults, and threats increase in Jerusalem

Attacks against Christians in Israel continue to rise. During the second quarter of 2026, the recorded assaults nearly doubled compared to the first three months of the year, according to a report by the Religious Freedom Data Center, which warns of an increase in hate incidents, especially in Jerusalem. According to the KNA news agency, 83 anti-Christian incidents were documented between April and June, compared to 44 recorded in the first quarter. Of these, ten involved threats or physical assaults. Most of the cases occurred in Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City. Spitting and assaults in public spaces The report notes that more than half of the reported incidents consisted of spitting directed at Christians, a practice that for years has especially affected priests, religious, and pilgrims walking the streets of Jerusalem. In total, 68 of the 83 incidents took place in Jerusalem and 46 occurred in the Old City, where numerous Christian holy sites are concentrated. The authors …