Christians in Jerusalem Facing Rising Harassment as Armenian Quarter Emerges as Hotspot

Diasporan Armenian Kegham Balian has released a new annual report documenting growing harassment against Christians in Israel, with Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter emerging as one of the most affected areas.

According to the 2025 summary compiled using data from the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), 181 incidents targeting Christians, Christian symbols, and Christian institutions were documented across Israel during the year. The report warns that the true number is likely higher because many cases go unreported or are filed too late to be included in official monitoring.

The majority of incidents involved spitting attacks, which accounted for around 60% of all recorded cases, or roughly 109 incidents. Verbal abuse, including insults, threats, and shouting, made up 18% of cases, while vandalism and damage to religious symbols accounted for 12%. The report also documented incidents involving physical violence, desecration of holy sites, degrading behavior, and online incitement.

Jerusalem recorded by far the highest number of incidents, with 150 documented cases in 2025. Within the city, the Armenian Quarter of the Old City registered the highest concentration of incidents with 43 reported cases. Other frequently affected areas included Via Dolorosa with 32 incidents, West Jerusalem with 22, Mount Zion with 18, and the Jaffa Gate area with 17.

The report noted that incidents sharply increased during major Jewish and Christian religious holidays and periods of heightened religious activity, including Easter, Passover, Hanukkah, Pentecost, Jerusalem Day, and the High Holy Days. According to the findings, harassment also increased during Christian processions and in situations where visible Christian symbols were present.

The annual summary further shows concerns over law enforcement responses. According to the report, 33 police complaints were filed with assistance during 2025, while at least 12 additional complaints were submitted directly by Christians or through police action. However, many cases were later closed, investigations remain ongoing in some incidents, and indictments continue to be rare.

The document also stated that there is currently no police officer specifically assigned to coordinate with the Christian community in Israel.

Beyond documenting incidents, the report outlined efforts aimed at reducing tensions and repairing damage. During the year, 16 vandalized church directional signs were repaired following intervention by volunteers and local authorities.

The summary additionally referenced public condemnations of anti-Christian harassment by several prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Benzahal, and Rabbi Rabinovitch. According to the report, a dedicated website presenting rabbinical opinions opposing such acts is expected to launch in the future.

The report also described operational difficulties faced by the monitoring initiative, stating that nearly all activities are conducted through volunteer efforts with limited financial support. It noted that the project recently received its first major donation from an anonymous Orthodox Jewish donor to support website development, reports, and other initiatives.

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