Unsafe to be Christian in Jerusalem: Fear, harassment and empty holy sites

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Published Apr 17, 2026

On Oborne Unscripted, Peter Oborne reports from Jerusalem on Good Friday, where Palestinian Christians say they are facing growing harassment and restrictions.

“I feel like I have to hide who I am, in order to maintain my safety,” says Christie Pavey, a Christian resident of Jerusalem.

One resident describes being spat on and prevented from accessing holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

“I’ve been spat on numerous times… and of course, forbidden from my holy sites.”

A report published this week documents a pattern of attacks - including vandalism, intimidation and assaults - contributing to what it describes as a climate in which Christians face a hostile environment.

“Christians feel increasingly unwelcome… pressured to conceal their identity.”

Religious traditions are also being disrupted.

“Normally we would start as a group… today I’m doing it on my own.”

With many now considering leaving, residents warn that a historic community is at risk.

00:00 – Introduction
00:10 – Life as a Christian in Jerusalem
00:42 – Easter closures and empty holy sites
01:28 – Attacks and harassment documented
02:36 – Rising hostility and spitting incidents
03:57 – Good Friday under restriction
04:40 – No pilgrims at sacred sites
06:15 – Fear and intimidation
07:16 – “I have to hide who I am”
08:08 – Christians feel unwelcome
13:40 – Rise of ultra-nationalism
15:11 – Christians leaving Jerusalem

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