Israelis spit on Christian priest in Jerusalem; A 17-year-old was also arrested
Jerusalem: Two Israelis, including a 17-year-old, were arrested for spitting on a Christian priest. A video circulating on social media shows Nicodemus Schnabel, a priest from Jerusalem’s Old City, being spat on and abused by two men.
Israeli daily Haaretz reported that the two men were released after a preliminary investigation and placed under house arrest.
According to the report, the incident of spitting on Christian worshipers in Jerusalem is steadily increasing.
Christians point to an increase in attacks in Israel and Palestine since the current government took office in late 2022.
German Ambassador to Israel Xil criticized the incident as bad behavior. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz also condemned the incident.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said last year that spitting on Christians is an ancient Jewish tradition and there is no need to arrest them in such incidents.
Many point out that the world’s oldest Christian community is disappearing in occupied Palestine.
Before Israel imposed sanctions on Palestine in 2007, there were 3,000 Christians, but in the last two years it has fallen to 1,000.
CONTENT HIGHLIGHT: Two Israelis arrested on suspicion of spitting at Christian abbot in Jerusalem