Violent Attack on French Nun in Jerusalem

A shocking attack on a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem has sparked widespread outrage, drawing condemnation from both Israel's foreign ministry and France's consulate. This incident, which took place on a Jerusalem street, has raised significant concerns about the rising hostility toward the Christian community and its symbols in the region. Authorities have begun investigating the attacker, who has been identified on social media as Yonah Schreiber, a suspected Jewish extremist.

Chilling Video Captures the Attack

The attack was captured in a chilling video that shows the attacker running up behind the nun—a researcher at the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research—and violently shoving her to the ground. The nun barely avoided striking her head on a nearby stone block. After a brief pause, the attacker returned to kick the nun while she lay defenseless on the ground. He stopped only when a passerby intervened.

Although the nun sustained minor facial grazes, she was fortunate not to suffer more severe injuries. Israeli police have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the attack, though the suspect’s name has not yet been officially confirmed. The assault occurred near Mount Zion, an area of deep religious significance, being the location of the Last Supper for Christians and the site of King David's tomb in Jewish tradition.

Israel and France Respond with Condemnation

Israel’s foreign ministry has denounced the attack as a "shameful act" that stands in stark contradiction to the values of respect, coexistence, and religious freedom upon which Israel is founded. In response, France’s consulate has called for the perpetrator to be brought to justice and held accountable for this heinous act. Father Olivier Poquillon, the director of the French research school, has urged authorities to take firm action in ensuring justice for the victim.

Is Christian Harassment on the Rise?

This incident is part of a growing trend of hostility toward the Christian community in Jerusalem. Hebrew University of Jerusalem condemned the assault, suggesting that this attack is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing pattern of rising aggression against Christian institutions and their symbols. The university emphasized that the victim was a valued academic partner and a scholar contributing to the region's cultural and religious heritage.

The Religious Freedom Data Centre, a network of Israeli volunteers, has recorded 31 cases of harassment against Christians within just the first three months of 2026. These incidents mostly involve spitting or vandalism of Christian property. One monastery in Mea Shearim described frequent harassment, including spitting and verbal abuse aimed at Christians.

What Other Religious Intolerance Incidents Have Occurred?

This attack follows another disturbing incident where an Israeli soldier was filmed vandalizing a statue of Jesus with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon. The soldier and his accomplice were both jailed for 30 days, highlighting ongoing issues with religious intolerance and violence in the region.

The recent attack on the French nun serves as a clear reminder of the growing challenges to religious freedom and coexistence in Jerusalem. As global condemnation pours in, all eyes are on how Israeli authorities will address these troubling incidents and uphold values of tolerance and respect in the region.