While tensions in Jerusalem continue to remain on a low simmer (rather than a rolling boil), this week saw another attack on a Jerusalem church, this time the Dormition Abbey, located just outside the Old City’s Zion Gate. On January 17th, Hebrew-language anti-Christian hate graffiti was scrawled across walls inside the abbey. On 1/20, two Israeli teens were arrested for the crime.
The attack was widely condemned, including by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and America’s Anti-Defamation League. Hadash/Joint List MK Ayman Odeh condemned the attack, and slammed the Netanyahu government for “leading the hatred and approving, with a wink, the continuation of the hate crimes against the Arab minority in the State.”
This same church has been repeatedly targeted by extremist Jews, including attacks in February 2015, May 2013, and October 2012.