"Israel Stands With You": Netanyahu’s Christmas Message to Global Christian Community

As the holiday season begins, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to the global Christian community with a message of solidarity and a defense of religious freedom. In a video address released on Wednesday, the Prime Minister presented Israel as a unique beacon for the faith in a region where Christian populations are often in retreat. By contrasting the growth of the Christian community within Israel to the dwindling numbers in neighboring territories, Netanyahu aimed to emphasize his nation's role as a protector of minority rights.

“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,” Netanyahu stated. He described Israel as a place where Christians can practice their faith with full rights and in total freedom, noting that pilgrims are embraced with open arms and deep appreciation. According to the Prime Minister, Israel is the only Middle Eastern nation where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly without any fear.

To illustrate the difference in religious tolerance, Netanyahu pointed to specific local examples. He noted that the Jerusalem municipality has officially distributed Christmas trees for two decades as a gesture of goodwill. He contrasted this with a recent incident in the Palestinian town of Jenin, where he stated that Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church. Netanyahu asserted that while Israel stands up for Christians across the region, many are facing widespread intimidation and persecution in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, as well as under the Palestinian Authority.

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the demographic shift in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. He claimed that the Christian population there was 80% when Israel was present, but has since dwindled to 20% under Palestinian Authority control. Netanyahu also addressed global concerns, stating that the persecution of any religion cannot be tolerated and specifically calling for an end to Muslim terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria. He concluded his message with a promise of enduring friendship, asking Christians worldwide to know that Israel will always stand with them.