In a pre-Christmas visit to Jerusalem's St. Antonio Convent, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Franciscan Sisters, joining them in prayers for peace and unity.
During the Tuesday gathering, Herzog emphasized his strong admiration for the country's Christian population. "I feel deep pride in Israel's Christian communities, which are an integral part of our nation," he stated. "The State of Israel will continue to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths and communities."
The president and the religious community members together opposed hatred and extremism in all forms, as Herzog later shared on his social media accounts.
Herzog extended holiday wishes to Christian communities throughout Israel, the Middle East region, and globally for both Christmas and the coming New Year.
Christian Demographics in Israel
Approximately 185,000 Christians reside in Israel, constituting about 2% of the national population. This diverse community includes Arab Christians, Armenian Christians, along with smaller Maronite, Coptic, and other Christian groups.
Arab Christians form the majority within this religious minority, representing 78.7% of Israel's Christian population. They make up 6.8% of the country's overall Arab demographic.
For the 184,200 Christians observing Christmas in Israel this season, the celebrations hold special significance as they occur in the land where Christian traditions originated - from Galilee's hills to nearby Bethlehem.
