For the last several months, members of an ultra-orthodox Jewish sect known as Berslav Hasidim have been creating difficulties at the Discalced Carmelite monastery of Stella Maris on Mount Carmel. The sect teaches that the grave of Elisha is in the ancient monastery. Others deny that claim and see the disruptions as an attempt by the radical group to take over the site dear to the Carmelites worldwide.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the increasing violence against Christians in Israel during his visit on August 9 to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa.
Herzog was accompanied by Israel Police Inspector General Yaakov Shabtai. One of the complaints has been that the police are slow to respond when Christians are the victims. The response is often not adequate. President Herzog emphasized Israel’s commitment to the full protection of freedom of religion and worship. He met with patriarchs and church leaders including Cardinal-designate Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Discalced Carmelite Jean Joseph Bergara, the monastery superior of Stella Maris.
The president called for greater understanding of the histories of the religious communities in the Holy Land, noting that it was the birthplace of the three monotheistic religions.
At first a few visitors would enter the church. Then dozens “burst” into the church according to news accounts. They began holding prayers “in a provocative manner,” according to a Palestinian Christian from the city of Haifa.
Palestinian Christians now volunteer to be present at the church 24 hours a day in order to quell any problems. It is reported that a metal fence will be erected to keep out protesters.
Similar protests have taken place by Israeli extremists at St. Elijah Cathedral of the Melkite Greek Catholic church in Haifa. Multiple attacks have also occurred against Christian sites in Jerusalem, the most recent being against the Church of the Tomb of Mary in occupied East Jerusalem. A Christian cemetery near Jaffa Gate outside the Old City of Jerusalem was vandalized in January. A statue of representing Jesus was valdalized at a Catholic church near the Lion’s Gate.
Following the attack on the Church of the Tomb of Mary in March, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem finally appealed for "international protection" of holy sites citing "terrorist attacks, by radical Israeli groups, targeting churches, cemeteries, and Christian properties."
Palestinian Christians account for some 2 per cent of Israel's population. The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics estimated their number on the eve of Christmas 2022 at approximately 182,000.
Another 51,000 live in the occupied West Bank, according to unofficial figures.
