Religious Freedom

Response:

1. Legal and Constitutional Protections:

- Israeli Law and Religious Freedom: Israel’s Declaration of Independence and Basic Laws explicitly guarantee freedom of religion and conscience for all citizens, regardless of their faith. These legal frameworks ensure that all religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, Druze, and others, have the right to practice their religion freely and without interference.

- Judicial Oversight: The Israeli Supreme Court has consistently upheld the rights of religious minorities, ruling against any actions that would unjustly infringe upon the freedom of religion. The Court has often intervened to protect religious sites and ensure that all communities have access to their places of worship.

2. Religious Freedom in Jerusalem:

- Custodianship of Holy Sites: Since the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has maintained a policy of protecting religious sites for all faiths. The Israeli government respects the “Status Quo” arrangement, which governs the administration of key religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

- Access to Holy Sites: Israel has ensured that all religious groups have access to their holy sites in Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is administered by the Islamic Waqf, under Jordanian custodianship, and Muslims are free to worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel is, by the way, the only country in the world where its holiest site is run by a different country - Jordan. Christians have uninterrupted access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Jews can pray at the Western Wall. This access contrasts sharply with the situation before 1967, when Jews were barred from the Western Wall by Jordan, which controlled East Jerusalem.

- Preservation of Religious Sites: Israel has undertaken significant efforts to preserve and protect religious sites of all faiths. The government funds the maintenance and restoration of these sites and works to ensure that they are accessible to worshippers and visitors alike.

3. Comparison with Religious Freedom in the Region:

- Regional Context: In comparison to many neighboring countries, Israel stands out as a beacon of religious freedom in the Middle East. In several Muslim-majority countries, religious minorities face severe restrictions, discrimination, and persecution. There are countries in the Middle East where non-Muslims are not allowed to practice their religion openly, and there are no churches or synagogues. In contrast, Israel allows freedom of worship for all religions, and religious minorities actively participate in public life. In fact, in Israel there are over 400 mosques - with 73 of them located in Jerusalem.

- Protection of Christian Communities: Israel is one of the few countries in the Middle East where Christian communities are growing, and their religious practices are protected. Christians in Israel enjoy full citizenship rights, operate churches and schools, and celebrate their religious holidays openly. This is in stark contrast to the declining Christian populations in many other parts of the region, where they face persecution and violence. There are around 371 Churches in Israel today.

4. Incidents of Tension and Security Measures:

- Security Concerns: In cases where access to certain holy sites is temporarily restricted, these measures are typically due to security concerns, not religious discrimination. For example, during times of heightened tension or violence, Israel may temporarily limit access to certain sites to prevent clashes and protect real worshippers from rioters who do not respect the religion. These restrictions are usually short-term and aimed at maintaining public safety.

- Management of the Temple Mount: The Temple Mount is a particularly sensitive site, sacred to both Jews and Muslims. Israel has maintained the Status Quo agreement, which allows Muslim worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque while prohibiting Jewish prayer on the Mount - so if there is any limitation to religious freedom, it would be against Jewish people worshiping on Temple Mount.

5. Israel’s Role in Protecting Religious Minorities:

- Religious Pluralism: Israel’s commitment to religious pluralism is reflected in the diverse religious communities that thrive within its borders. The country is home to a wide variety of religious groups, including Bahá'ís, Samaritans, and others, all of whom enjoy the freedom to practice their religion and maintain their cultural heritage.

6. Misrepresentation in Media and International Forums:

- Selective Reporting: Accusations of religious discrimination in Israel are often based on selective reporting and a misunderstanding of the security dynamics in the region. Media coverage frequently focuses on isolated incidents without providing the broader context of Israel’s overall commitment to religious freedom.

- Political Agendas: Some accusations of religious discrimination are driven by political agendas that seek to delegitimize Israel. These claims often ignore the reality of religious freedom in Israel and the genuine efforts made by the Israeli government to protect the rights of all religious communities.

Conclusion:

- Israel’s Commitment to Religious Freedom: The accusation that Israel restricts religious freedom for non-Jewish communities is not supported by the facts. Israel’s legal framework, policies, and actions demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting religious freedom for all faiths. While security measures are sometimes necessary to maintain public order, they are not motivated by religious discrimination but by the need to protect all worshippers.

- A Model of Religious Tolerance in the Region: In a region where religious intolerance and persecution are widespread, Israel stands out as a model of religious tolerance and pluralism. The country’s efforts to preserve and protect religious sites and ensure access for all faiths should be recognized and supported as part of its broader commitment to human rights and democracy.