We ask you, urgently: don't scroll past this
Dear readers, Catholic Online was de-platformed by Shopify for our pro-life beliefs. They shut down our Catholic Online, Catholic Online School, Prayer Candles, and Catholic Online Learning Resources essential faith tools serving over 1.4 million students and millions of families worldwide. Our founders, now in their 70's, just gave their entire life savings to protect this mission. But fewer than 2% of readers donate. If everyone gave just $5, the cost of a coffee, we could rebuild stronger and keep Catholic education free for all. Stand with us in faith. Thank you.Help Now >
Israeli President Herzog Speaks Against Attacks on Christians
FREE Catholic Classes
In a resolute demonstration of support for religious freedom and harmony, Israeli President Isaac Herzog embarked on a poignant visit to the Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa. This visit came in the wake of a series of distressing attacks carried out by Jewish extremists against the monastery and various Christian places of worship across Israel. President Herzog's visit aimed to convey a powerful message of solidarity, underscoring the nation's commitment to safeguarding religious diversity and promoting an atmosphere of tolerance within its borders.

Photo credit: Pompi
Highlights
8/11/2023 (1 year ago)
Published in Middle East
Keywords: Israel, Christian, President Herzog, peace, attacks, violence, speech
"I come here on behalf of the entire state and people of Israel to reinforce our commitment to the full protection of freedom of religion and worship in the State of Israel," Herzog stated during the visit on August 9th.
Over the past months, Israel has witnessed a concerning surge in incidents targeting Christian denominations, exacerbating tensions among the communities. The attacks have not been confined to places of worship alone but have spilled into cemeteries and even onto the streets. President Herzog expressed his deep concern about this disturbing trend, labeling it utterly unacceptable in any civilized society. He emphasized the need to uproot this phenomenon and applauded the efforts of law enforcement agencies for taking the matter seriously.
The Stella Maris Monastery, a historic site established by the Carmelites in the 12th century, was a focal point of these attacks. In late July, members of the Breslov Hasidic movement clashed with Christians at the monastery in Haifa. The situation escalated as extremists attempted to breach the monastery's premises, causing disruption and unease among those engaged in prayer. In response, the monastery erected a protective fence to deter future intrusions.
To address this alarming escalation of violence, President Herzog engaged with prominent figures during his visit, including Stella Maris Monastery's abbot Jean Joseph Bergara, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III. The presence of Israel's police inspector general, Yaakov Shabtai, underscored the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain the sanctity of religious spaces.
In a concerted effort to confront these challenges head-on, Jerusalem's leading police officials convened with Christian leaders at the Tower of David museum on August 8th. This meeting aimed to forge a closer alliance between law enforcement and religious communities to counter the escalating hate crimes that have targeted Christians across the Holy City throughout the year.
District commander Doron Turgeman expressed the police's unwavering dedication to ensuring the security of all citizens, regardless of their faith. He acknowledged the significance of collaboration between the police and Christian leaders and vowed to utilize all available resources to address these reprehensible acts.
Despite the challenges, Israeli law enforcement has shown its commitment to tackling the wave of hate crimes targeting Christians. Since January, they have initiated investigations into numerous incidents, underlining their resolve to uphold the peace and security of all residents and visitors.
The rise in hate crimes has also sparked controversy and debate within Israeli society. Some officials, such as Jerusalem's deputy mayor Aryeh King, have refrained from condemning the attacks, leading to tensions and concerns within the Christian community.
President Herzog's visit to the Stella Maris Monastery sends a clear message to the nation and the world: the importance of unity, religious tolerance, and respect for all faiths. By standing against these acts of violence and advocating for interfaith understanding, President Herzog's actions resonate as a beacon of hope, striving for a future where diversity is celebrated and coexistence prevails.
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Novena for Pope Francis | FREE PDF Download
-
- Easter / Lent
- Ascension Day
- 7 Morning Prayers
- Mysteries of the Rosary
- Litany of the Bl. Virgin Mary
- Popular Saints
- Popular Prayers
- Female Saints
- Saint Feast Days by Month
- Stations of the Cross
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Michael the Archangel
- The Apostles' Creed
- Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
- Pray the Rosary

St. Athanasius of Alexandria: Defender of the Faith and Pillar of Orthodoxy

Teresian Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, Oldest Person in the World, Dies at 116 After a Life of Faith and Service

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Rising Papabile Amid Concerns over Doctrine, Liturgy, and Influence
Daily Catholic
Daily Readings for Saturday, May 03, 2025
St. James the Lesser: Saint of the Day for Saturday, May 03, 2025
Prayer before Starting on a Journey: Prayer of the Day for Saturday, May 03, 2025
Daily Readings for Friday, May 02, 2025
St. Athanasius: Saint of the Day for Friday, May 02, 2025
- The Our Father: Prayer of the Day for Friday, May 02, 2025
Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2025 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.