\n<\/p>\n
New Role for Israel: Envoy to the Christian Community<\/strong><\/p>\n JERUSALEM, Israel:<\/strong> A new position has been created in Israel dedicated to fostering better relationships with the Christian community. This move, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has received positive feedback from various Christian leaders.<\/p>\n In an exclusive interview, Ambassador George Deek highlighted the significance of this role, emphasizing the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. He pointed out that Christian populations have drastically declined, from 20% of the region in the past to just under 2% today. \u201cMany once-vibrant Christian communities have sadly diminished,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n Christian Leaders’ Concerns on Antisemitism<\/strong><\/p>\n Recently, an emergency summit was held in Jerusalem to address the rising antisemitism globally. Leaders from various Christian denominations gathered to discuss these pressing concerns and how they might collaborate to combat hate.<\/p>\n Deek noted Israel has 300 churches today, double the number present in 1948, alongside a Christian population that has grown from about 34,000 to over 180,000. \u201cI aim to establish strong connections between Israel and Christian leaders worldwide,\u201d he said, stressing the need to share Israel’s story more comprehensively.<\/p>\n Understanding Israel\u2019s Christian Community<\/strong><\/p>\n According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the country\u2019s Christian population is roughly 184,200, which is about 1.9% of the total population, reflecting a growth of 0.7% from the previous year. Deek, who previously served as Israel\u2019s ambassador to Azerbaijan, shared that many people know Israel primarily through its Jewish identity, overlooking the rich diversity of its society.<\/p>\n He highlighted that his appointment stems from three main reasons: the special bond Christians have with the land of Israel, shared values between Christians and Jews, and Israel\u2019s commitment to nurturing relations with various religious communities.<\/p>\n Deek emphasized how Israel is unique in having a growing Christian community in a region where many others are struggling. \u201cOur relationship with Christians globally and within Israel is strong, and we are keen on supporting it,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n Rising Concerns and Tensions<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite the positive outlook, recent months have seen troubling incidents, including attacks on Christian symbols and a violent assault on a nun. \u201cThese acts of violence contradict the values of tolerance and respect that Israel stands for,\u201d Deek stated, reinforcing that the Israeli government condemns such actions.<\/p>\n He mentioned that those responsible for such attacks are being held accountable, with recent arrests proving Israel’s serious approach to protecting minority rights.<\/p>\n In light of increasing antisemitism worldwide, Deek expressed that hatred targeting one group often spreads to others. He pointed out that the same forces driving Jews out of Arab nations historically are now also threatening other minorities, such as Christians in Gaza, effectively pushing them out.<\/p>\n Israel’s Role as a Safe Haven<\/strong><\/p>\n Within this context, Israel remains a sanctuary for minority faiths, allowing them to practice their beliefs freely. “In Israel, Christian communities are not only surviving; they are thriving,\u201d Deek concluded, urging Christians worldwide to visit and connect with their roots in the Holy Land. <\/p>\n He views his mission as vital for fostering understanding and cooperation between faiths, aiming to remind people of the shared biblical values that unite them.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New Role for Israel: Envoy to the Christian Community JERUSALEM, Israel: A new position has been created in Israel dedicated to fostering better relationships with the Christian community. This move, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has received positive feedback from various Christian leaders. 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