Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended sympathies to Christian communities across the Middle East that have faced “violence, persecution and fear” for the religion they practice.
“Christian communities in the Middle East are experiencing a particularly difficult time,” he said in a Christmas message.
Christians have been targeted by the militant Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, putting communities in the area on the defense — in Iraq, there are still 400,000 Christians. Many are on the run from Islamic State.
Nethanyahu said Christians in his country are faring better.
“Well, not so here in Israel,” Netanyahu said. “That’s the one exception because here in Israel, freedom of religion is a sacred principle.”
