Israeli Watchdog Reveals 50% of Attacks Target Armenian Christians, Amid Alarming Spike in Hate Crimes in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter

Zartonk Media

BREAKING: Israeli Watchdog Reveals 50% of Attacks Target Armenian Christians, Amid Alarming Spike in Hate Crimes in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter  The Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC) has published its quarterly report, “Incidents Against Christians in Israel,” documenting 50 hate crimes between April and June 2025. According to the report, 50% of hate crimes in Jerusalem’s Old City occurred in the Armenian Quarter, targeting Armenian clergy and civilians alike. This was reported on X by Kegham Balian, a Jerusalemite Armenian. The incidents included spitting, verbal abuse, trespassing, desecration of holy sites, and vandalism. Of the 50 incidents, 39 cases (78%) involved spitting, 4 cases (8%) involved verbal abuse, 3 cases (6%) were categorized as “other,” and 2 cases each (4%) involved vandalism and disrespect of a holy site. 64% of all incidents took place inside the Old City, with half of those occurring at the Armenian Patriarchate alone—making it the single most frequently targeted site. Other major hotspots included Jaffa Gate and David Street (25%) and Via Dolorosa (13%). The remaining locations were Chabad Street and HaAshurim Street (6% each). Outside the Old City, incidents were reported in Mount Zion (22%), West Jerusalem (10%), Gethsemane (2%), and areas outside of Jerusalem proper (4%). Since January 2025, 22 cases have been officially filed with Israeli police, but the follow-up has been limited: only 2 cases have been transferred to prosecution, 6 were closed by the police, and 14 cases remain in limbo with no status update provided. The lack of accountability and transparency has raised serious concerns among Christian communities. The RFDC is an independent initiative founded in June 2023 by Yisca Harani, an Israeli activist, scholar, and expert in Christian history and interfaith relations. The center was established in response to a noticeable increase in anti-Christian incidents in Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City. Its primary mission is to document, report, and assist in addressing acts of harassment and violence against Christian individuals, clergy, and institutions in Israel. In a broader context, it is important to note that for the first time in the history of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), a pivotal discussion was held on May 2, 2025. The committee session was convened at the initiative of MK (Member of Knesset) Gilad Kariv, where representatives of the Latin, Armenian, Orthodox, Coptic, and Anglican churches were present and provided testimonies. Further sessions are expected in the coming months, with representatives from the Israeli police and municipality also expected to attend. Whether these discussions will result in meaningful protections for Christian communities remains an open question.