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

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 Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @middleeasteye   Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye   Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye