Israel Establishes Envoy Role to Strengthen Christian Relations

JERUSALEM, Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government announced a new envoy position focused on fostering relationships with the Christian community. This decision has been widely welcomed by Christian leaders.

In an exclusive interview, Ambassador George Deek emphasized the importance of his role, stating, “We see the ethnic cleansing of the region from its Christians, who have been diminished from 20% of the population of the Middle East to less than 2% of the population today.” He highlighted the decline of once-thriving Christian communities.

All those places that used to have thriving Christian communities today have been reduced to nothing. 

Israel currently hosts 300 churches, a notable increase from 1948. The Christian population has expanded from 34,000 in 1948 to over 180,000 today. Deek aims to build bridges with Christian leaders by presenting a more comprehensive narrative of the State of Israel’s identity.

According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the Christian community represents 1.9% of the country’s population, with an annual growth rate of 0.7%. Deek, prior to his current position, served as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan for six years.

Three factors influenced Deek’s appointment:

• The special connection between Christians and Israel as Christianity’s birthplace.
• The historical bond through shared biblical values among Christians and Jews, leading to societal principles such as democracy and freedom.
• Israel’s commitment to relations with diverse religious denominations.

Deek explained, “Israel has a special relationship with the Christian people abroad and the Christian community in Israel, which is the only Christian community in the entire Middle East that is actually growing and thriving as part of Israeli society.”

Dr. Jürgen Bühler, President of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, stated that Israel’s appointment of a special envoy reflects its appreciation of Christian support, which is crucial amid rising antisemitism.

The embassy, operating in Jerusalem for 46 years, has representation across roughly 185 countries. It recently organized a summit with over 200 religious leaders to address antisemitism, with an additional 3,000 participating online.

Deek noted recent isolated incidents of attacks on Christian symbols, as well as an assault on a Christian nun. Such acts undermine the country’s values of tolerance and acceptance.

More than anything, this was an attack on the values on which this country is established—values of tolerance and acceptance. 

Israel’s leadership condemned these attacks. Both the individuals involved in the incidents have been punished, showing Israel’s commitment to enforcing the law.

Deek mentioned a recent surge in antisemitic incidents in Europe and stressed that hate targeting Jews often extends to other minorities. He emphasized the safety that minorities find in Israel.

Despite recent challenges, Israel remains a haven for minorities to live freely and practice their faith. Deek highlighted an ongoing campaign by various groups politicizing Christian faith and distorting the situation in Israel.

Deek considers it a personal mission to bring Christians to Israel for religious and spiritual connection, not for political purposes. He encourages visits to the holy sites for spiritual growth.

Under Israel’s protection, Christians can reconnect with biblical values, reinforcing the shared heritage among Jews, Christians, and other religious communities.

Amelie Botbol, a freelance journalist in Tel Aviv, contributes articles to several international publications.