Figure 1.--This group of Christian Arabs in 1938 appear in front of the Jerusalem YMCA. The boys wear kaffiyehs and ikals. Source: American Colony (Jerusalem).

There are many important Christian sites in Palestine such as Bethlehsam and Nasareth and the Jordan River. Jerusalem was where Christ was crucified. Muslims are especially interested in Jerusalem. The Church of Holy Sepulchre is perhaps the most important Christian site in Jerusalem. The church was built by St. Helena (Constantine's mother) in 335 A.D. It is a major site of Christian pilgrims, especially durin Easter and Christmas. Another important site is the Church of Gethsemane. It was built on the location of the garden of Gethsemane. It was here where Jesus and his disciples concealed themselves before being taken prisoner from the garden to Jerusalem. Some Biblical sites have been identified. The acttual location of the Crusifixtion and Accession are disputed. British sources report that at the time of post-World War I mandate that the Arab Christian population in Palestine was nearly 10 percent of the total population. Relable Statistics are currently difficult to come from, buth the Christian population has substantialy declined: West Bank (about 4 percent) and Gaza (less than 1 percent). The Aeab Christian population in Israel has been more stable (9 percent). The reasons for the decline of the Christian Arab population are hotky debated. The Muslim population has a higher birthrate. The economic decline resulting from the Interfada has caused many to leave Palestine seeking better ecomomic opportunities. Christian Arabs had contacts beyond the Middle East than Muslim Palistinians. Some sources say Istrali travel restrictions are a factor. Christian communities are under pressure in several Aran countries. This does not seem to be the case in the West Bank although there have been incidents. The violence is substantially less than is the case in Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, and other neigboring states. T he same is not the case in Gaza where Chrustins have been attacked. Conditions for Christians deteriorated after the Isreali withdrawl and the Hamas victory in elections. In October 2007, Rami Ayyad, the Baptist manager of The Teacher's Bookshop, the only Christian bookstore in the Gaza Strip, was fire bombed. Ayyad received death threats and when he refused to flee, he was murdered (October 2007). Muslim fundamentalists objected to hi alleged missionary activity. [Rizq]

Sources

Rizq, Philip."The murder of Rami Ayyad", Palestine Chronicle (October 15, 2007).

Created: 2:26 PM 12/23/2012
Last updated: 2:26 PM 12/23/2012