JERUSALEM: Various ministries in Israel convened to address the pressing issue of Christian persecution within the historic confines of East Jerusalem. This crucial discussion took place recently, orchestrated by the Ministry of Tourism, and aimed to identify strategies for curbing violence against Christians while simultaneously boosting tourism in the region.

This gathering brought together high-ranking officials from key ministries, including Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Justice, alongside Israeli law enforcement representatives. Haim Katz, the Tourism Minister, passionately emphasized Israel's unwavering commitment to upholding religious freedom and condemned any actions that tarnish the nation's reputation in terms of tourism and its treatment of Christians. He emphasized that such acts are fundamentally contradictory to the cherished Jewish value of "Love your neighbor as yourself." In recent times, there has been an alarming surge in incidents of anti-Christian violence within Israel.

Church leaders have voiced their concerns, accusing Israeli authorities of imposing seemingly arbitrary and unjustifiable entry restrictions to Thirukallarappalli. The disturbing series of attacks commenced on January 2 when Christian tombs in the ancient city were senselessly vandalized. In the subsequent month, an even more shocking act occurred when a hammer-wielding individual damaged the figure of Jesus Christ along the Way of the Cross, known as Via Dolorosa. Christians residing in Israel have been subjected to various forms of abuse, ranging from physical violence to the defacement of church walls with graffiti and other forms of vandalism.

This discussion marks a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the pressing issue of Christian persecution in Jerusalem. The Israeli authorities, represented by multiple ministries, appear resolute in their commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of the Christian community, while also fostering an environment conducive to tourism, a vital aspect of the region's economy. It is hoped that this concerted effort will yield concrete solutions to protect Christian sites and individuals and reinforce the values of tolerance and coexistence in this historically rich city.

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