Arson Attack Damages Church Property in Jenin Ahead of Christmas

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JENIN/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Minority Christians in Palestinian territories faced a tense Christmas after church officials confirmed that “an arson attack” damaged a Christmas tree and a Nativity grotto at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin.

The incident near the city’s Latin Catholic parish in the West Bank, also known Biblically as Judea and Samaria, was condemned by church leaders and raised concern among local Christians.

No injuries were reported.

Local priest Amer Jubran described the incident as a “deliberate and fabricated act carried out by outlaws,” calling it “shameful and reprehensible.”

He said the attack targeted symbols of the Christian faith and the Christmas season.

Church representatives explained that the incident had been reported to local authorities and called for calm while urging protection for religious sites and minorities.

REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION

The attack drew international attention after Israeli leaders cited it as an example of growing insecurity for Christians in parts of the region outside Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack underscored why Christians leave the area.

“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, once had an estimated 80 percent Christian population,” he recalled. “That was when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 percent to about 20 percent,” he said.

No arrests were immediately announced following Monday’s arson attack, and no group claimed responsibility.

Rights advocates have repeatedly warned that Christian communities in parts of the West Bank and the Middle East face increasing pressure, intimidation, and emigration.

The Holy Redeemer Church serves a small Christian community in Jenin and belongs to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

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