Rising Tensions: Assault on Nun Highlights Religious Hostility in Jerusalem

An Israeli man has been charged with assaulting a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem, amid rising tensions in the Old City. The attack was condemned by Christian clergy and highlights ongoing harassment of religious figures. The suspect, Yonah Shreiber, faces charges of religiously motivated assault.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Jerusalem | Updated: 07-05-2026 17:01 IST | Created: 07-05-2026 17:01 IST
Rising Tensions: Assault on Nun Highlights Religious Hostility in Jerusalem
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An Israeli man has been charged with assaulting a French Catholic nun in a religiously motivated attack in Jerusalem, according to Israel's state attorney's office. The assault occurred on April 28 and has drawn condemnation from Christian clergy in the city.

The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Yonah Shreiber, allegedly knocked the nun to the ground and attacked a passerby who attempted to intervene. CCTV footage shows Shreiber pursuing the nun while wearing a Jewish kippah and ritual tassels, further underscoring the incident's religious overtones.

The nun sustained bruises on her face and leg. The state attorney has requested that Shreiber remain in detention until legal proceedings conclude. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of harassment against Christians in Jerusalem's Old City. Law enforcement is taking the matter seriously, affirming its zero-tolerance policy against violence targeting religious members.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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