Catholic Nun from France Assaulted by an Israeli Settler in Jerusalem


Attack on French Nun in Jerusalem Sparks International Outcry

JERUSALEM – A 36-year-old man was arrested by Israeli police following a violent assault on a French nun in the Old City of Jerusalem. The incident, which occurred on April 28, 2026, has intensified concerns regarding a rising tide of sectarian violence and harassment directed at Christian clergy and religious sites in the region.

The Incident

The victim, a 48-year-old researcher at the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research (École Biblique et Archéologique Française), was walking near the Cenacle on Mount Zion—a site holy to both Christians and Jews—when she was ambushed from behind.

According to witness accounts and a statement from Dominican - Director of the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, Father Olivier Poquillon, the attacker shoved the nun with such force that she struck a rock, causing a significant bruise to her head. While she was on the ground, the assailant reportedly kicked her repeatedly before being intervened by bystanders. The victim was later treated for facial bruising and head injuries.

France's embassy in Jerusalem condemed the attack posting on X:

France strongly condemns the aggression yesterday in Jerusalem against a French nun from @EBAFJerusalem. We wish a prompt recovery to the assaulted nun, whose situation we are closely following. France calls for the perpetrator of the aggression to be brought to justice for this act and for justice to be served.

The Arrest and Investigation

Israeli police confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect on Wednesday, April 29, following an "extensive search." Authorities are investigating the attack as a "racially motivated assault."

The suspect was brought before the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court for a remand extension. While the police emphasized a "zero tolerance" policy for violence against clergy, local journalists noted that the arrest occurred only after the incident gained significant traction on social media and in international news.

Growing Pattern of Hostility

Religious leaders and academic institutions have characterized the assault as part of a broader, systemic issue.

  • The Hebrew University of Jerusalem issued a statement calling the attack "part of a troubling pattern of rising hostility toward the Christian community."

  • The Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue recently documented an "expanding pattern of intimidation" against Christians in Jerusalem, fueled by a sociopolitical climate increasingly intolerant of religious pluralism.

The French Consulate in Jerusalem and Israel’s Foreign Ministry both condemned the act, with the latter stating that such violence "stands in direct contradiction to the values of respect and religious freedom upon which Israel is founded."

The Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), now in its third year of operation, continues its work of documenting cases of harassment of Christians by Jews in Israel, filing complaints to the police when necessary, and the promotion of tolerance and inter-faith understanding where possible.
According to their report in 2025 there were over 181 incidents. 
Breakdown incidents 109 Spitting incidents or 60%
 Verbal shouting ,threats ,insults, abuse 18% incidents 32
Vandalism/damage to religious symbols 12% incidents  22  
 Physical violence 5% incidents 6 
degrading behavior /  Desecration of Holy sites 3% incidents 
Online incitment 2% 

Sources:

  • The Times of Israel: "Suspect arrested in attack on nun yesterday in Jerusalem Old City" (April 29, 2026).

  • Middle East Eye: "Nun assaulted in Jerusalem amid 'pattern' of anti-Christian attacks by Israelis" (April 30, 2026).

  • The Catholic Herald: "Nun assaulted in Jerusalem as concern grows over attacks on Christians" (April 30, 2026).

  • Anadolu Agency: "Israeli man arrested on suspicion of assaulting nun in occupied East Jerusalem" (April 30, 2026).

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