ICC Note: Vandalism and threats of attacks against Christians before the visit of Pope Francis to Jerusalem have sparked renewed interest in the hostility towards Christians in Israeli controlled areas. The occurrence of “price tag” attacks of vandalism has been on the rise. The most recent threats have been considered “explicit and serious” and church leaders are hoping that Israeli security officials will take it seriously.

By Stoyan Zaimov

05/08/2014 Israel (Christian Post) – Death threats to Arabs and Christians written in front of a Roman Catholic Church office in Jerusalem ahead of Pope Francis’ visit later this month have some officials alarmed, though a Christian persecution watchdog group said it is unlikely a direct attack on the pope will be attempted.

The Office of the Assembly of Bishops, Notre Dame of Jerusalem said that it found Hebrew writing on a column outside its building earlier this week, reading “Death to Arabs, Christians and all those who hate Israel.” Heads of churches are preparing to respond.

Todd Daniels, International Christian Concern’s regional manager for the Middle East, told The Christian Post in an email on Thursday that such threats and attacks are often carried out by Jewish extremists, and that Israeli security forces are taking the threat seriously.

“Ahead of the Pope’s visit to the area they are implementing procedures to avoid a serious incident. It is unlikely that there would be a direct assault directed at Pope Francis, but the possibility of the heightened attention may be seen as an opportunity for a notable attack to draw attention to perceived injustices,” Daniels told CP.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem called the threat “explicit and serious” and noted that it comes two weeks before the Vatican leader’s visit to the Holy Land and Jerusalem.

“The Bishops are very concerned about the lack of security and lack of responsiveness from the political sector, and fear an escalation of violence. There has been terror for some time, beginning with graffiti, then moved on to drilling holes in the tires of cars, various acts of vandalism and looting of properties or Christian symbols. Given the absence or weakness of prosecution, vandals have now come with personal threats,” it added.

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