Israeli activist Yisca Harani has condemned a recent wave of settler attacks against Christians in Israel and the West Bank.
She called it a “disturbing development” and warned that an ideology of Jewish supremacy has taken root in society.
Harani is the founder of the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), which monitors violations of religious freedom in Israel.
In an interview with AsiaNews, she said, “Ninety percent of these events would have gone unreported if it weren’t for us, Jewish Israeli citizens, who monitor them and file reports with the police.”
Harani said the violence is being legitimized by high-level political leaders. “The most worrying element is that this behavior is legitimized by the support of some key political figures,” she said.
She named Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The village of Taybeh, the only all-Christian village in Palestine, has seen escalating attacks. On July 7, settlers reportedly set fire to the village cemetery and the historic Church of St. George, which dates back to the 5th century.
The village is home to around 1,500 people and three churches. Taybeh is historically known as “Ephraim,” mentioned in the Gospels as the place where Jesus retreated before his Passion.
Christian leaders condemned the attacks. Parish priests in Taybeh said the violence threatens “the security and stability” of Christians. They also warned that it undermines “the dignity of its inhabitants” and the “sacredness” of the Holy Land.
The RFDC recorded over 50 cases of violence against Christians in Israel between April and June. Most incidents occurred in Jerusalem. At least half took place in the Armenian Quarter.
Common forms of abuse included spitting, verbal insults, and desecration of religious sites. Clergy and laypeople were among the victims.
Harani said the current crisis reflects a wider breakdown of law and order. “We are witnessing an effort to create a Jewish monopoly on the land,” she said. “Anything—or anyone—that stands in the way becomes a target, be they Bedouin, Palestinian, or Christian.”
She warned that this wave of violence is not spontaneous. “It is clearly encouraged, if not directly supported, by government policies and ministries that provide ideological cover for supremacist ideas,” she said.
Church leaders from Jerusalem will visit Taybeh and Ramallah on July 14. Diplomats are expected to join. A press conference will be held at the Church of St. George.
Harani said most Israelis remain unaware of the problem. “I believe that most Israeli Jews, perhaps 90%, have no idea about these incidents,” she said.
“That’s why organizations like RFDC are so vital,” she added. “We don’t just document the violations. We raise awareness in Israeli society and international public opinion.”
“The rights of minorities, including Christians, are not a marginal issue, but a measure of who we are as a society,” she said.
