Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned what he described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, calling the situation unacceptable and demanding an immediate end to the violence.
In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks against Christians or adherents of any religion must not be tolerated.
He urged an end to alleged militant displacement and violence targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.
The Israeli leader used the occasion to highlight Israel’s treatment of Christians, describing it as the only country in the Middle East where Christians can freely practise their faith and celebrate religious traditions without fear.
Israel’s Position on Religious Freedom
Netanyahu contrasted Israel’s record with developments in parts of the Middle East, where he said Christian communities face intimidation and persecution.
According to him, Israel’s Christian population is growing, while Christian numbers in several neighbouring countries continue to decline.
He listed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and areas under the Palestinian Authority as places where Christian populations have reduced due to what he described as systematic discrimination.
Bethlehem was cited as a key example. Netanyahu claimed the city’s Christian population fell sharply after it came under Palestinian Authority control.
Claims of Targeting Christian Symbols
The prime minister also drew attention to incidents involving Christian symbols. He said Jerusalem authorities officially distribute Christmas trees each year, a practice he noted has continued for decades.
In contrast, he referenced a recent incident in Jenin, where a Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church was reportedly burnt.
Speaking in his message, Netanyahu said, “From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From here, the Holy Land, Israel, the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving.
“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 proudly their traditions and openly do so without any fear.
“In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. 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.
“That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution.
“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. 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.
“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%.
“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.
“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.”