ACCUPIED
EAST JERASULEM — In September last year, His Majesty
King Abdullah made a statement at the
United Nations, declaring,
"Christianity in the Old City is under fire." He emphasized the
importance of Christianity to the region and its historical significance,
cautioning against undermining
Jerusalem's historical and legal status, which
he believed would fuel global tensions and deepen religious divides.
اضافة اعلان
Initially,
many, including Joel Rosenberg, editor of All Israel News and All Arab News,
questioned the necessity of the King's statement. However, this week, Rosenberg had a change
of heart and issued a surprising apology, acknowledging His Majesty’s
prescience, the
Jerusalem Post reported.
An accurate and deeply concerning assessment by His Majesty
Rosenberg,
an evangelical residing in Jerusalem, admitted that His Majesty’s assessment was accurate and deeply concerning.
He now fears that escalating
violence against Christians could attract
criticism from both Israel's allies and adversaries. He emphasized the
importance of not allowing Israel to be criticized as
unsafe for Christians.
Several incidences of violence
Over the
past year, several antagonistic and violent incidents have targeted Christians in Israel, including evangelical Christian visitors. Rosenberg highlighted
incidents where Christians were assaulted near the Western Wall, religious Jews
rioted at a Christian concert in Jerusalem, and the Interior Ministry denied work
and clergy visas to evangelical Christians.
50 percent of tourists to Israel come from the Christian community
Approximately
50 percent of tourists to Israel come from the Christian community. Rosenberg
noted that Christians worldwide desire to visit the Holy Land but often harbor
fears due to security concerns. He condemned any harm to tourists or disrespect
towards Christian symbols, urging cooperation to ensure the best possible
tourist experience.
This week,
an intermenstrual committee, Israel Police, and various NGOs launched the
"Old City Forum" to address recent harassment incidents against
Christians and enhance the tourist experience in Jerusalem's Old City.
Increasing attacks against Christians could lead to inquiries
Rosenberg
also warned that increasing attacks against Christians could lead to inquiries
from Christian members of US Congress and senators. He expressed concern that
prominent figures like Senator Lindsey Graham and former Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo might feel compelled to intervene, emphasizing that Jerusalem is
meant to be a "house of all nations" and that the violence is
shocking.
He
concluded by questioning why such incidents were allowed to happen and why they
had not been corrected.
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