Palestinian church targeted by Muslim arsonists

Muslim extremists set fire to Nativity scene and Christmas tree in a church compound in Jenin.

By World Israel News Staff

A Palestinian Arab church in northern Samaria was targeted by arsonists this week, with a Nativity scene display and Christmas tree set up in the church’s courtyard torched.

The incident occurred before dawn Monday in the compound of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in the Palestinian Authority-administered city of Jenin.

Church officials reported the blaze, which was extinguished by Palestinian Authority firefighters before it caused damage to the church building.

There were no injuries in the fire, though both the Christmas tree and Nativity scene display were destroyed.

The parish priest, Father Amer Jubran, condemned the arson as a “shameful and reprehensible act perpetrated by outlaws.”

The church issued a statement implying that the arson was the work of Palestinian Muslims, rather than Israeli Jews.

Jubran said the arson “does not represent the values or morals of the people of Jenin.”

The Jenin Governorate condemned the incident, while also suggesting the investigation pointed to Muslim extremists.

The Governorate emphasized “the unity of our Palestinian people in all its religious spectrums,” and lamented attempts to “sow discord and division among the people.”

The city of Jenin is home to some 50,000 people, nearly all of whom are Sunni Muslims, with an additional 10,000 living in the adjacent refugee camp, and roughly 300,000 more in towns and villages across the Jenin Governorate.

Jenin does have a tiny Christian community, with an estimated 150 Catholics remaining in the city, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Authority’s security apparatus has launched an investigation into the fire, though no suspects have been taken into custody.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry released a statement Tuesday morning condemning the arson, while noting “growing hostility” towards Christians in the Palestinian Authority.

“Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin’s Christmas tree destroyed in arson attack. Under the Palestinian Authority, there is growing hostility toward Christians,” the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

“Attacks on Christians, their sites & symbols are unacceptable at all times. Even more so, as we approach Christmas this week.”

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