Israeli Officials Step In After Rising Harassment of Christians in Jerusalem
A Religious Freedom Data Center report found spitting at Christians and churches is the most common abuse, much of it on one Old City street. Israel's Deputy State Attorney has now met victims — and a law against spitting may follow
The short answer
According to Christian Today (6 November 2026), the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), which monitors anti-Christian incidents in Israel, recorded another rise in harassment in the third quarter of 2026, with spitting at Christians or their buildings the most common form, much of it on one street in Jerusalem's Old City. At the end of October, Israel's Deputy State Attorney visited the Old City with legal officials to meet victims, which the RFDC welcomed as a "major achievement"; it indicated a legislative initiative to ban spitting may follow.
In Jerusalem's Old City, Christians — especially clergy — have for years faced a particular kind of abuse: being spat at. Now senior Israeli officials are paying attention.
What the Data Shows
The Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC) has published quarterly reports on harassment of Christians in Israel for three years. Its latest, covering the third quarter of 2026, recorded another rise in incidents.
"Harassment of Christians in Jerusalem — mostly spitting, much of it on one Old City street — rose again, but Israel's Deputy State Attorney has now met victims and a law against spitting may follow."
Click to copy and share- Spitting at Christians or their buildings is by far the most common abuse — and a large share happens on one street in the Old City.
- Vandalism, verbal and physical abuse and assault have also been reported.
- Many clergy now go out in plain clothes to avoid being targeted.
The RFDC says some perpetrators see their actions as religiously justified, and that some families encourage children to take part. It believes many incidents go unrecorded and unpunished.
Officials Step In
At the end of October, Israel's Deputy State Attorney visited the Old City with a delegation of legal officials to meet victims — including the mother of a nine-year-old boy who was pepper-sprayed in the eyes.
"Not a single participant remained indifferent to the testimonies they heard. More than once, I could see shame in their eyes." — RFDC spokesperson
The RFDC credited Yifat Raveh of the Ministry of Justice for her determination, called the visit a "major achievement," and indicated that a legislative initiative to ban spitting may be on the way.
Why It Matters
Christians are a small and shrinking minority in the land where Jesus walked. This week we reported that Taybeh, the West Bank's only Christian village, is losing its people. Officials taking harassment seriously is a real step — and an answer to the prayers of Jerusalem's churches.
Pray that it leads to lasting protection, and "for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).
Harassment of Christians in Jerusalem — mostly spitting, much of it on one Old City street — rose again, but Israel's Deputy State Attorney has now met victims and a law against spitting may follow.
Biblical Perspective
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure" (Psalm 122:6). Jesus Himself was spat upon (Mark 15:19) and taught His followers, "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28).
"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
— Luke 6:28 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord, thank You for officials who listened to Jerusalem's Christians. Turn this into lasting protection. Comfort the boy who was hurt and his family, give clergy courage and grace to bless those who curse them, and bring peace to Jerusalem for all who live there. Amen.
Keep praying: the full prayer listDeclarations to Speak
- ›Peace be within Jerusalem's walls!
- ›We bless those who curse us!
- ›God's church in the Holy Land will stand!
Take Action
- 1Pray for the Christian communities of Jerusalem's Old City.
- 2Thank God for officials who are taking harassment seriously.
- 3Pray for the peace of Jerusalem — for everyone who lives there.
"Harassment of Christians in Jerusalem — mostly spitting — rose again. Now Israeli officials have stepped in. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."
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Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
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Questions people are asking
Are Christians harassed in Jerusalem?
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Yes. The Religious Freedom Data Center reports rising incidents, with spitting at Christians or their buildings the most common form, much of it on one street in the Old City; vandalism, verbal and physical abuse and assault have also been reported.
What is Israel doing about harassment of Christians?
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At the end of October 2026, Israel's Deputy State Attorney led a delegation of legal officials to meet victims in Jerusalem's Old City. The Religious Freedom Data Center indicated a legislative initiative to ban spitting may follow.
Sources & further reading
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
Luke 6:28 (NIV)
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