Before Christmas, Middle East expert Steven Höfner warned of a growing threat to the Christian population in the Holy Land. “The presence of Christians in the place of origin of Christianity is a historical reality, but by no means guaranteed for the future”, explained Höfner in a guest article for the portal katholisch.de (Sunday). Höfner is administrative manager of the CDU. Affiliated Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Ramallah, West Bank.
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In the shadow of the Gaza war, “the development of Christians, which has been precarious for years,” has become even worse, Höfner said. Currently, they have to defend themselves against two potential dangers at the same time: “On the one hand, they are threatened by national-religious Jewish extremists, but they fear the increase in Islamization in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.”
The nearly 1,000 Christians in Gaza are trapped there and exposed to bomb attacks. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation is restricting their freedom of movement. A family reunion at Christmas for Christian Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank is only possible with a special permit, “which is only granted in rare cases”, criticizes Höfner.
Small community, big contribution
According to the expert, the increase in discrimination against Christians accelerated their migration from the region and thus weakened local communities. In the Palestinian territories, the total of around 47,000 Christians represented just under one percent of the population.
“Although the proportion of the Christian population is decreasing, it shapes social, social and economic life in the Palestinian territories with its institutions,” Höfner emphasized. Christian organizations are the third largest employer in the West Bank, with more than 9,000 employees. Nearly two million Palestinians also benefit each year from Christian social institutions.
“The fundamental humanitarian and developmental role of Christians in the Holy Land is an essential cornerstone for understanding, stability and de-escalation in the region,” Höfner explained. At the same time, he warned against adding new religious accusations to the conflict. This weakens the forces that are in favor of… seeking a political and, above all, peaceful solution to the conflict.”
(kann/katholisch.de – cs)