Study says Christians’ share of occupied Jerusalem population fell from 25% to 1.56% over century

The share of Christians in occupied Jerusalem fell from 25% of the population in 1922 to about 1.56% by the end of 2023, according to a study released by the Jerusalem International Foundation. The study said the city had around 15,300 Christians at the end of 2023, including approximately 13,100 Palestinians. It attributed the decline to Israeli policies, economic and social pressures, continued emigration, and low population growth. Israeli residency policies affecting Palestinians in Jerusalem, including revocation of residency permits under the “center of life” criterion, have also contributed to reducing the Palestinian presence in the city, the study said.

It also documented attempts to take control of church endowments and property, which it said account for about 28% of endowment land in occupied East Jerusalem, including through long-term leases and financial pressure. The report further cited attacks on Christian clergy, monks and worshippers, including physical and verbal assaults, spitting, and damage to property, cemeteries and religious symbols. The study also pointed to Israeli restrictions on access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and limits on participation in religious events, including Holy Saturday and Easter celebrations.

It warned that such policies threaten Jerusalem’s Arab and pluralistic character and called for stronger legal and diplomatic efforts to protect Christian holy sites, church property and the Palestinian Christian presence. The developments come amid broader Israeli military attacks and occupier violence across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since October 2023. According to Palestinian figures, more than 1,220 Palestinians have been killed, around 13,350 wounded and more than 26,000 detained during that period.