Christian worshippers mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The head of a Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem has condemned the reported assault on a nun in the city and warned of increasing threats facing Christian communities in the Holy Land.
Archbishop Atallah Hanna said in a Facebook post that the attack reflects “escalating violations against Christian institutions in Jerusalem” and growing concern over the future of the historic Christian presence in the region. He described the incident as part of a “recurring pattern” and called for international intervention.
The statement followed a widely circulated video released by Israeli police showing a man assaulting a French nun in Jerusalem on Tuesday. The footage reportedly shows the suspect pushing her to the ground, injuring her, and later kicking her before bystanders intervened.
Police confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect, stating that the case is being treated with “utmost severity,” particularly given concerns over possible racist motives.
The victim, identified by French academic sources as a 48-year-old nun and researcher, has not spoken publicly about the incident.
According to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, attacks on Christian communities in occupied East Jerusalem and Israel have increased in recent years, prompting repeated calls from church leaders for stronger protection measures.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the assault as a “shameful act,” reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all religious communities in the city, which is sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
The incident has further intensified concerns among church authorities over the safety of Christian clergy and institutions in the region.
