A French nun was assaulted in Jerusalem, in an incident that has increased concern over anti-Christian attacks involving extremist groups in Israel.
Israeli police arrested a Jewish man in his 30s on 30 April. Officers said he attacked the nun a day earlier in Jerusalem. In a statement, police confirmed the suspect is 36 years old and stressed that they treat violence against clergy with serious concern, especially when linked to racist motives.
Details of the incident
Police footage shows the man running up behind the nun and pushing her to the ground. He wore a traditional Jewish garment known as a tzitzit.
The attacker appeared to walk away at first. He then returned and kicked her several times while she lay on the ground. He also confronted a passer-by who tried to step in.
The victim is a 48-year-old researcher linked to the École Biblique et Archéologique Française de Jérusalem, according to AFP. She suffered injuries to her face and body. Olivier Poquillon, who leads the institute, said she does not wish to speak publicly about the incident.
Rising concerns over religious tensions
The attack took place near the Cenacle in Jerusalem. The site holds religious importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Christians regard it as the location of the Last Supper. Jews associate it with King David’s tomb, while Muslims recognise it as a historic religious site.
France condemned the attack and called for accountability. The French Consulate General in Jerusalem urged authorities to bring the attacker to justice. A European diplomat said similar incidents have occurred, including cases where extremists insult or spit at clergy in public.
Recent months have seen a rise in hostility towards Christians in Israel. Reports include damage to religious symbols and tensions around access to churches during Easter.
Analysts point to several factors behind these incidents. Religious differences play a role, including Judaism’s non-recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. However, experts also link the trend to growing ultranationalist sentiment, which has increased tensions between religious groups.
