The Israel's Prime Minister's Christmas greetings to the entire Christian community

Tonight Christians celebrate the coming into the world of Baby Jesus, and the Jewish community begins its Festival of Lights, Hanukkah.

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Today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent this Christmas greeting to the Christian community in his country and around the world:

My dear Christian friends, as you gather with your family and friends this Christmas, I wish the Christian community in Israel and around the world blessings for a Merry Christmas from the Holy Land.

At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts, we deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our Christian friends around the world.

You've stood by our side, you've stood by our side resiliently, consistently, forcefully as Israel defends our civilization against barbarism.

The people of Israel are united in defending our nation against those bent on our destruction.

We seek peace with all those who wish peace with us, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend the one and only Jewish state, the repository and the source of our common heritage.

Israel leads the world in fighting the forces of evil and tyranny, but our battle is not yet over. With your support, and with God's help, I assure you, we shall prevail.

From Jerusalem, city of peace, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“My dear Christian friends, as you gather with your family and friends this Christmas, I wish the Christian community in Israel and around the world blessings for a Merry Christmas from the Holy Land. pic.twitter.com/b5YtGaCUug

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 24, 2024

As a Christian and a friend of Israel, I thank Netanyahu for these kind words, coming from the only country in the Middle East where followers of Christ enjoy full religious freedom to live their faith. In fact, while Christians are experiencing an exodus in other countries in the area (including Lebanon, where they were once the majority), in Israel the number of Christians is increasing.

I take this opportunity to wish a happy Hanukkah to the entire Jewish community, our "older brothers" as Saint John Paul II called you. In these difficult times I do not forget the dozens of Jews who are still held hostage by Hamas terrorists and all the Jews who are suffering from the scourge of anti-Semitism, which has sadly resurged in force in the West. As a Christian I tell you that you are not alone and that in this corner of the web you have a place where you are loved and appreciated. Shalom Aleichem, may the peace be with you!