Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to stand with Christians in Nigeria and across the world, declaring that persecution based on faith must be brought to an end without delay.
In a Christmas Eve video message released from Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to defend Christians facing intimidation, violence and restrictions that prevent them from freely practicing their faith. He stressed that freedom of worship remains a core value of the Israeli state.
Netanyahu noted that Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians are able to practice their religion openly and celebrate their traditions without fear. He said Christians make up a significant portion of Israel’s population and live without state-sponsored discrimination.
Highlighting Jerusalem as an example, the Israeli leader said the city government officially distributes Christmas trees every year, a tradition that has continued for more than two decades. He contrasted this with a recent incident in the Palestinian town of Jenin, where a Christmas tree was reportedly burned at the Holy Redeemer Church.
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According to Netanyahu, Israel has consistently advocated for the protection of Christian communities in the region, particularly in areas where they face harassment and persecution. He said while the Christian population continues to grow in Israel, it is steadily declining in other parts of the Middle East due to discrimination, intimidation and economic pressure.
He listed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and areas under the Palestinian Authority as places where Christian populations have sharply declined. Netanyahu recalled that Christians once made up about 80 percent of Bethlehem’s population, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, but that figure has fallen to about 20 percent since control of the area was handed over to the Palestinian Authority.
Turning his attention to Africa, Netanyahu strongly condemned attacks and displacement targeting Christians in Nigeria. He described the situation as unacceptable and called for immediate action to halt the violence.
“The persecution of Christians and people of any faith cannot be tolerated,” he said, adding pointedly that persecution against Christians in Nigeria must stop now.
The Israeli Prime Minister extended Christmas greetings to Christians around the world, assuring them of Israel’s solidarity and support. He emphasized that his message was not limited to Christianity alone, but reflected Israel’s broader opposition to the persecution of any religion anywhere in the world.
Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel would continue to speak out and act against religious persecution, while standing with communities whose right to worship is under threat.
