Christian Life in Israel: A Perspective

I was raised in Jaffa, attending church every Sunday with my father, the cantor of our Greek Orthodox church. As a boy, I joined the Christian Scouts and later became a leader, even managing our community’s marching band. We participated in events during Christmas, Easter, weddings, and baptisms, building a strong community bond. We were a typical Middle Eastern Christian neighborhood, coexisting with Muslims and Jews. We shared education, work, discussions, and life together, experiencing a sense of safety and happiness.

Recently, portrayals suggest Christians in Israel live under siege, facing hostility and expulsion. This is an alarming and unusual depiction compared to my experience. There have been incidents of religious radicals disrespecting and attacking Christians, which is shameful. Israel needs to address such behavior through law enforcement, education, and religious leadership. However, these extremists do not define Israel any more than incidents in other Western democracies reflect their national character.

For example, in 2025, the Anti-Defamation League reported 6,274 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. Similarly, in Spain, antisemitic cases rose significantly. Yet, these countries are not defined by such actions. An extremist attacking in other cities does not represent the society as a whole. In contrast, when incident occurs in Israel, the entire society is often judged. This is a double standard.

Assessing whether Christians are declining in numbers is critical. In 1950, Israel had about 34,000 Christians; today, there are about 184,000. This growth suggests a supportive environment. Christian participation in society is substantial. For instance, Justice Salim Joubran, an Arab Christian, served on Israel’s Supreme Court. This exemplifies the integration and coexistence in Israel, where ethnicity or religion are not barriers to responsibilities.

Moreover, various professional fields see significant Christian contributions, from medicine and academia to law enforcement and diplomacy. As a Christian, I joined Israel’s diplomatic service and became the country’s first Christian ambassador, later serving as Israel’s special envoy to the Christian world. This role was created to strengthen ties with Christian communities globally, which contradicts claims of hostility toward Christianity.

Israel also officially recognized the Aramean nationality, honoring ancient Christian traditions. Investments are made in archaeological efforts to preserve Christianity’s historical roots, such as the ongoing excavation in Bethsaida, believed to be the home of Apostles Peter and Andrew. Plans for 2030 mark 2,000 years since Jesus’ baptism, expecting many pilgrims.

A recent poll in Lebanon showed high support for peace with Israel among Christian communities, perhaps signaling a shift in perspective due to shared experiences in the region. Middle Eastern Christians are reevaluating sentiments as historical conflicts show the need for mutual cooperation.

No act of anti-Christian hatred is justified. Those responsible should face the law. While Israel has areas to improve, the extremists should not dictate the national narrative. The Christian Supreme Court justice represents the broader society better than singular incidents of extremism.

The global portrayal of Israel needs a balanced view. Christianity originated here, and while other Middle Eastern countries face decline in Christian populations due to conflict, Israel ensures their presence. Christians in Israel continue to worship, raise families, and shape the nation’s future.

Ambassador George Deek has over 18 years of diplomatic experience, most recently serving as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan. He is a recipient of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s Award for Excellence and actively engages with Jaffa’s Arab Christian community.