From: The Times of Israel April 25, 2025

Christians in Israel slam Netanyahu's 'disrespectful' response to Pope's death
Israeli Christian group: Israel’s response to pope’s death sends ‘message of exclusion’

Forum of Holy Land Christians:
1. demands Jerusalem send higher-level representative to pontiff’s funeral,
2. wants probe of cops who scuffled with worshipers at recent Holy Fire ceremony.

A Christian civil society group in Israel assailed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial “outrageous” failure to express condolences to Catholics in the Holy Land after the death of Pope Francis, and demanded Israel send higher-level representatives to the pontiff’s funeral Saturday.

In a letter dated Wednesday but circulated on Friday, Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Forum of Holy Land Christians, said:
“Silencing mourning for a global Christian leader sends a message of exclusion and abandonment,”

Abunassar, adding that:
Israel’s conduct was a “grave affront not only to the Christian citizens of Israel but also to Christians worldwide, if not also to the entire humanity.”

Abunassar, who has met with Francis and served as an adviser to Catholic leaders in Israel, said he was writing “on behalf of hundreds of Christian citizens of Israel,” including “clerics and laity who work for empowering the Christian presence in the Holy Land” under the Forum’s aegis.

“Christians in Israel are loyal and integral citizens, who empower the Israeli society across all sectors,” wrote Abunassar.
“Their contributions to the prosperity, innovation, and resilience of the Israeli society are profound and enduring.”