Is it safe for Palestinian Christians living under the Palestinian Authority?

Just recently, we have seen worrying signs for Palestinian Christians.

The question must be asked: Is it safe for Palestinian Christians living under the Palestinian Authority?

Every country has its problems. I am English, and when I look at London, terrible stabbing attacks are taking place in our capital—over 16,000 in 2024–25, according to Statista. Mobile phones are reportedly being stolen every four to five minutes.

But how safe is it for Palestinian Christians living under the Palestinian Authority?

Recently, a Christmas tree in Jenin was targeted and burned down. All Israel News reported on this incident. The Latin Catholic Church stated that the Christmas tree and nativity scene outside the Holy Redeemer Church in the Palestinian town of Jenin were burned in the early hours of Monday morning. Vatican News described it as an act of vandalism, saying the tree was set on fire by “alleged radicalized young Muslims” just days before Christmas. The report added that the community plans to inaugurate a new tree with the participation of Bishop William Shomali, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, and local authorities.

Christmas is a happy and joyous season. Putting up a Christmas tree and celebrating the birth of the Messiah, creating a nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the manger, reminds the world of the true meaning of Christmas.

For Christians, seeing their Christmas tree burned down is deeply troubling. Today it is a tree; tomorrow it could be someone’s car or house.

A few days earlier, a man was beaten by three individuals in Beit Jala. A video of the attack circulated on Facebook. It was a violent assault on an individual. While his condition has stabilized, his road to recovery remains long, involving several complex surgeries and months of treatment.

Being attacked in the street is a deeply concerning sign. Streets should feel safe for people to come and go freely. Christians should not have to look over their shoulders to feel secure.

More recently, a video circulated from Bethlehem University showing a Muslim student preaching hate on campus. Bethlehem University is a Christian institution that welcomes Christians, Muslims, and people of no faith. Yet a student publicly denounced Christmas, saying, “Celebrating Christmas is haram. What is good about celebrating Christmas in front of a tree when you stand against God? It is an infidel Christian holiday.”

Such verbal attacks can make Christians feel unsafe in the very place where their Messiah was born. Thankfully, the individual was arrested and expelled from the university.

But are these isolated incidents, or are there underlying problems that should concern the Christian community? Am I making something out of nothing?

It is “only” words. It is “only” a Christmas tree. It is “only” one man attacked in the street. These things happen in cities around the world.

Yet together, they create a sense of vulnerability and raise fears that things could worsen.

I wonder whether the Jewish community ever imagined things would escalate after witnessing the early dehumanization of Jews in Eastern Europe before World War II.

What if society becomes more radical and extreme? We have seen what happened to Christian communities in Syria. All Israel News has reported on the growing fears facing Christians just across the border.

Christians and other minority groups need our prayers as rapidly changing conditions leave many in danger.

Prayers are especially needed for Christians living under the Palestinian Authority, who often feel isolated and alone. Pray that they may be a light in their communities. Jesus has called them to be salt and light where they are.

Matthew 5:13 says: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Palestinian Christians are called to be salt and light, but it is hard to live that calling when you feel under attack. Christians are called to forgive when wronged, yet forgiveness can take time.

Let us pray for Palestinian Christians to stand strong as salt and light in their communities—even under threat, intimidation, violence, and pain—so that, like those who saw the baby in the manger 2,000 years ago, the world may still see Jesus the Messiah in Bethlehem, where our Savior was born.