Netanyahu's Christmas Message and the Plight of Christians in the Holy Land

In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Christian communities in Israel and around the world a Merry Christmas, acknowledging their steadfast support during Israel's ongoing conflict. "At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our Christian friends around the world," Netanyahu said. He further emphasized Israel's unity in defending the Jewish state and its commitment to peace, despite the challenges faced.

The message of support comes amid a troubling trend for the Christian community in areas under Palestinian control. A new report from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) reveals a dramatic decline in the Christian population, with violence and coercion contributing to what the report describes as "Christian demographic erasure."

According to the JCFA report, the Christian population in Gaza has fallen sharply, from 5,000 before Hamas's takeover to just 1,000 in 2023. The report attributes the decline to religious discrimination, desecration of holy sites, and a social environment that excludes Christians. Bethlehem, once a vibrant Christian city, is a prime example of this shift. In 1950, Bethlehem and surrounding villages were 86% Christian. However, by 2017, this had dropped to just 10%, with many fleeing due to systemic hardship, harassment, and discrimination under the Palestinian Authority.

The study also highlights reports of forced conversions to Islam in areas like Bethlehem and Gaza, with some Christians claiming they were pressured or threatened to abandon their faith. Gaza’s Bishop Alexios spoke out in 2016 about the phenomenon, warning that the Christian population was being forcibly converted under duress.

A Growing Exodus: Fearing for Their Future

As the Christian community continues to shrink, many fear for the survival of Christianity in its birthplace. The mass exodus of Christians, combined with systemic violence, harassment, and legal discrimination, is threatening the future of the faith in the Holy Land. The report warns that silence in the international community regarding these abuses only strengthens the perpetrators and leaves victims without support.

"The survival of Christianity in its birthplace depends on awareness and action," said Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, one of the authors of the study. "It’s unacceptable that in 2025, Christians in the Palestinian Authority fear reporting hate incidents against them for fear of arrest or worse."

While Netanyahu’s message highlighted the importance of global Christian support for Israel, the JCFA report underscores the need for similar international awareness regarding the plight of Christians living under Palestinian rule. Without action, the continued erosion of Christian communities could have devastating consequences for the cultural and religious heritage of the region.

As Christmas approaches, Netanyahu’s message of unity and resilience serves as a reminder of the challenges facing not only Israel but also the vulnerable Christian population in the Holy Land.