Christian Researcher Details Persecution of Christians Under Palestinian Authority
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A Christian researcher, Elias Zarina, has detailed the severe persecution of Christians under the Palestinian Authority, citing fear, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression. He noted a drastic decline in the Christian population in Bethlehem since the Oslo Accords and described how Christians are excluded from decision-making and face pressure to abandon their traditions. Zarina also criticized the antisemitic content in Palestinian education and the lack of support from global Christian leadership, while warning of Qatar's growing influence over Christian institutions in East Jerusalem.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Christian researcher Elias Zarina reports widespread persecution and fear among Christians living under the Palestinian Authority.
- The Christian population in Bethlehem has plummeted from 80% to just 7% since the Oslo Accords.
- Christians face economic exploitation, property seizure, and restrictions on religious and cultural practices.
- Palestinian education is described as antisemitic, shaping young Christians' views negatively.
- Global Christian leadership is criticized for its silence and lack of civil action on behalf of persecuted Christians.
- Qatar is accused of attempting to gain control of Christian institutions in East Jerusalem through financial means.
A Christian researcher has spoken out about the dire conditions faced by Christians living under the Palestinian Authority (PA), describing their lives as a nightmare marked by persecution from PA agents. Elias Zarina, a Christian who previously belonged to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's student cell and now researches at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Studies, detailed the ongoing mistreatment of Christians in PA-controlled areas and East Jerusalem.
Zarina stated that Christians living under the PA since the Oslo Accords have been living in fear, excluded from decision-making circles despite the presence of a few Christian figures in high-ranking PA positions, whom he described as mere puppets. He noted that the PA, while presenting itself as democratic, has not held elections since 2005, and PA Chairman Abu Mazen recently postponed scheduled elections for another year.
He explained that Christians living a Western lifestyle face persecution, citing an instance in Bethlehem where Christians were prevented from celebrating Christmas due to solidarity with Gaza. This was carried out unofficially by Fatah and PFLP leaders who sent masked individuals to shops decorating for the holiday, deeming celebration inappropriate during a time of "genocide" and martyrs. Zarina contrasted this with the freedom Christians experience in Israel, where they are granted equal rights and are not dictated to regarding their way of life.
Zarina further elaborated on the coercion, extending to family matters, with PA agents attempting to seize long-held family properties. He reported that 154 families in the Bethlehem area have emigrated in the past two and a half years due to such pressures. He also highlighted the influence of PA-connected individuals within the judicial system, making it difficult for Christians to file complaints. The younger Christian generation, educated in the Palestinian school system, is exposed to antisemitic content and hatred towards Jews and Israel, with figures like hijacker Leila Khaled presented as heroes, which Zarina believes contributes to radicalization.
He warned that without Israeli oversight in education, promoting harmonious coexistence, the cycle of terror will continue. While some East Jerusalem schools adopt the Israeli Ministry of Education's curriculum, Zarina noted that informal activities by NGOs and summer camps still promote hatred and antisemitism. Christians in PA areas face restrictions on movement and dress, with an Islamic Sharia agenda being imposed despite their Christian faith. PA officials are seizing land from emigrants, and their connections within the Palestinian judiciary make it impossible to reclaim lost property. Unlike Christians, they are unarmed and unable to defend themselves.
Zarina also described economic exploitation, including theft of money, land, homes, and businesses. Successful Christian importers face demands for protection money or are pushed out of business to allow PA officials to take over. He cited the example of a decades-long distributor for Tnuva who faced years of pressure to transfer the franchise to PA officials, which Tnuva resisted. Zarina expressed a lack of future prospects for Christians under the PA, citing economic decline and a severe drop in tourism since the COVID-19 pandemic. Religious restrictions include limitations on public prayer and processions.
Regarding the silence of global Christian leadership, Zarina attributed it to their religious rather than civil focus and a pervasive fear among those living under PA rule. He acknowledged his own fear for his family's safety but felt a duty to speak out. Zarina criticized Christian nations for providing substantial aid to the PA without conditioning it on improved treatment of Christians. He also raised concerns about Qatar's efforts to gain control of Christian institutions in East Jerusalem, specifically mentioning its financial involvement in a Catholic hospital, aiming to establish a medical academy there. He noted that Qatari funds are channeled through Palestinian banks, and Qatar's influence is presented as a significant threat, disguised as technological advancement while funding terrorism.