Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he described as a Christian genocide in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to violence and displacement targeting Christians in the country.
In a Christmas video message delivered on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks against Christians or adherents of any religion were unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
He specifically referenced what he called militant attacks against Christians in Nigeria, urging that they come to an end without delay.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now,” he said.
Netanyahu used the address to highlight Israel as, in his words, the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear.
He contrasted Israel’s approach with what he described as widespread intimidation and persecution of Christian communities in other parts of the region.
“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,” Netanyahu said.
According to him, Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, while Christian communities in several Middle Eastern countries have declined due to discrimination and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority as examples.
He also pointed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, noting a significant demographic shift since the city came under Palestinian Authority control.
“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 per cent to 20 per cent,” he said.
Netanyahu further compared the treatment of Christian symbols, stating that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities distribute Christmas trees annually, while a Christmas tree was recently burned in Jenin.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees every year. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church,” he said.
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he added.
Concluding his message, Netanyahu extended seasonal greetings to Christians worldwide.
condemned what he described as a Christian genocide in Nigeria, calling for an immediate end to violence and displacement targeting Christians in the country.
In a Christmas video message delivered on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks against Christians or adherents of any religion were unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
He specifically referenced what he called militant attacks against Christians in Nigeria, urging that they come to an end without delay.
“The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now,” he said.
INetanyahu used the address to highlight Israel as, in his words, the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear.
He contrasted Israel’s approach with what he described as widespread intimidation and persecution of Christian communities in other parts of the region.
“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,” Netanyahu said.
According to him, Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, while Christian communities in several Middle Eastern countries have declined due to discrimination and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority as examples.
He also pointed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, noting a significant demographic shift since the city came under Palestinian Authority control.
“The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 per cent to 20 per cent,” he said.
Netanyahu further compared the treatment of Christian symbols, stating that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities distribute Christmas trees annually, while a Christmas tree was recently burned in Jenin.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees every year. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church,” he said.
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he added.
Concluding his message, Netanynahu extended seasonal greetings to Christians worldwide.
