Skip to main content

Christian Arabs wrestle with Israeli identity

Israel's Christian citizens have found a safe haven in Israel, compared with other states in the region.
PM Netanyahu meets with Christian spiritual leader Father Gabriel Nadaf
Read in 

In a June 5 article for Al-Monitor, “Israeli army tries to lure Arab Christian recruits,” my colleague Botrus Mansour analyzed why the Ministry of Defense decided to send recruitment notices to Christians and the implications of this action. The notices are invitations to volunteer for service, and do not obligate anyone to serve.

Mansour examines the dilemma facing Christian Arabs in Israel. He notes that the mainstream of the Arab population in Israel opposes the enlistment of Christians because they see it as a public relations ploy, rather than a genuine attempt to integrate Christians into Israeli society as equal citizens. This group also considers it a move to split the Palestinian minority in Israel by dividing Arab Christians from fellow Arab Muslims. Mansour concludes his article by saying that the recruitment effort will not succeed without the full integration of young Christians into Israeli society. While it is hard to contest this point, there are a few other points about the issue that he ignores.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.