Christmas Message: Netanyahu Condemns Persecution in Nigeria, Says Israel Stands With Christians Worldwide

Jerusalem, Israel – December 25, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a strong Christmas message to Christians around the world, declaring Israel a sanctuary for Christian faith and openly condemning the persecution of Christians across the Middle East and Africa, with specific reference to the ongoing killing of Christians in Nigeria by Fulani terrorists.

Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu said, “From Jerusalem, I send warm greetings to our Christian friends around the world. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

He described Israel as “the Holy Land” and emphasized that it remains “the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving.”

According to the Israeli leader, “Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practice their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate proudly their traditions and openly do so without any fear.”

Netanyahu highlighted Jerusalem’s official recognition and respect of Christianity, stating, “In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees. It’s been doing so for two decades.”

He contrasted this with what he described as hostility toward Christians in Palestinian-controlled areas, adding, “By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church. That’s the difference.”

The Israeli prime minister said Israel actively defends Christian communities beyond its borders. “Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution,” he said, noting that Christian populations in many Middle Eastern countries are rapidly declining.

“While Israel’s Christian population is growing, the Christian population in countless areas across the region has been dwindling due to systematic discrimination and oppression,” Netanyahu stated.

He listed Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and territories under the Palestinian Authority as places where Christian communities have suffered severe decline.

Citing Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Netanyahu said, “The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have 80 percent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 percent to 20 percent.”

In a statement that resonated strongly in Nigeria, Netanyahu directly addressed violence against Christians in the country, saying, “The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And Muslim militant displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end, and it must end now.”

The remarks come amid longstanding concerns raised by religious groups and international observers over attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions, that has seen at least 7,000 killed in the first half of this year alone.

Netanyahu concluded his message with a reaffirmation of Israel’s solidarity with Christians worldwide. “I’m sending Israel’s Christmas blessings to our Christian friends around the world,” he said. “And I ask you, know that Israel will always stand with you.”

The message has since sparked wide reactions, especially among Christian communities who view the statement as rare and direct international recognition of their plight, particularly in regions where faith-based persecution remains unresolved.