Netanyahu Condemns Alleged Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned alleged attacks and displacement of Christians in Nigeria, describing the reported violence as unacceptable and calling for an immediate end to what he termed militant assaults on Christian communities.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a Christmas message delivered from Jerusalem, where he addressed Christians around the world and warned against religious persecution in any form.

“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now,” Netanyahu said.

In his message, the Israeli leader contrasted Israel’s record on religious freedom with what he described as intimidation and persecution faced by Christian communities in parts of the Middle East, insisting that Israel remains a place where Christians can practise their faith freely.

“From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he said.

Netanyahu added that Israel guarantees full religious rights to Christians and warmly welcomes pilgrims from across the globe.

“Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly do so without any fear,” he said.

He also pointed to official recognition of Christian traditions in Jerusalem, noting that the city’s municipality has distributed Christmas trees annually for two decades.

“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades,” he said.

Drawing a contrast, Netanyahu referenced a reported incident in the Palestinian town of Jenin, where a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church was allegedly set ablaze.

“By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church. That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he stated.

The prime minister also highlighted demographic changes affecting Christian populations across the Middle East, saying Israel’s Christian population is growing while numbers elsewhere continue to decline.

“While Israel’s Christian population is growing, the Christian population in countless areas across the region has been dwindling due to systematic discrimination and oppression,” Netanyahu said.

He listed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and areas under the Palestinian Authority as places where Christian populations have fallen over time.

“This has happened in Iraq. It’s happened in Syria. It’s happened in Lebanon. It’s happened in Turkey. And it’s happening in the Palestinian Authority,” he said.

Citing Bethlehem as an example, Netanyahu recalled its changing religious demographics.

“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have 80% Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80% to 20%,” he said.

Netanyahu concluded by reaffirming Israel’s solidarity with Christians worldwide.

“I’m sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world. And I ask you, know that Israel will always stand with you,” he said.

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