Jerusalem Establishes Forum to Address Harassment of Christians

JERUSALEM — Jerusalem’s municipal government has established a new forum intended to strengthen cooperation with Christian communities and address reports of harassment and attacks against Christians, according to a November announcement shared by the Holy Orthodox Order of St. George the Great Martyr.

The initiative, called the Forum for Partnership with Christian Communities, reportedly brings together the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jewish People Policy Institute, and the Religious Freedom Data Center. Its inaugural meeting was attended by Mayor Moshe Lion, Christian Church leaders, Vatican representative Abp. Giorgio Lingua, Israeli police officials, and government representatives.

The forum has identified four priorities: regular meetings between Christian leaders and municipal authorities, direct channels for reporting incidents, stronger legal measures against religious harassment and violence, and educational programs promoting religious freedom and mutual understanding.

The forum’s legal work is still at the proposal stage: participants are considering changes that would make it easier to prosecute those responsible for harassment and attacks. The initiative also calls for educational programs in Jerusalem schools to promote awareness of the city’s religious and cultural diversity. Mayor Lion said the city would maintain a policy of zero tolerance for violence against anyone.

The initiative comes amid reports of incidents including spitting at Christians and church property, verbal intimidation, and physical assaults, particularly in the Old City. The forum is expected to develop practical responses through cooperation among Christian communities, municipal authorities, police, and other government institutions.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Orthodox Christians for Palestine would host a “Not in Christ’s Name” summit.