Israel’s Christians rely on faith and allies as they fear rising harassment

MOUNT TABOR, Israel — Sister Mayela, a Mexican nun living in Jerusalem for over two decades, walks to work accompanied by a Jewish volunteer for protection. As one of the estimated 1.8 million Christians in Israel, she worries that her visible faith will attract harassment, which has increased since multiple conflicts have erupted in the region.

Sister Mayela has experienced increased spitting and verbal abuse, including an incident recently where a teen spat behind her while passing by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group. Despite these challenges, Sister Mayela finds resilience in her faith and in support from her Israeli allies.