Jews must stop attacking Christianity - opinion
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- An IDF soldier's act of smashing a statue of Jesus in a Lebanese village has sparked outrage and an investigation by the IDF.
- The incident is viewed by the author as a symptom of a broader cultural issue, rather than an isolated event.
- The article argues that Jews and Christians, particularly Evangelical Christians, are allies in a civilizational struggle against shared enemies, and historical grievances should not overshadow present-day solidarity.
The recent incident involving an IDF soldier destroying a statue of Jesus in a Christian village in southern Lebanon is deeply troubling and demands a serious reckoning. While the IDF has confirmed the authenticity of the footage, rightly condemned the soldier's conduct as inconsistent with its values, and initiated an investigation, our concern extends beyond this single act. As Pesach Wolicki writes for The Media Line, this is not merely an isolated lapse in judgment but a symptom of a culture that needs introspection.
An IDF soldier in southern Lebanon took a sledgehammer to a statue of Jesus this week. The IDF confirmed it. The image went viral. And I am furious.
This event occurs at a critical juncture where Israel seeks allies in a complex and often hostile region. It is imperative for us, as Israelis and Jews, to ask: Who truly stands with us? The answer, as Wolicki powerfully argues, lies significantly within Christian communities worldwide. From the Christian-majority nations in Africa to the Evangelical supporters in America and the conservative Catholics in Europe, Christians have consistently demonstrated their solidarity with Israel. Their support is often rooted in deeply held beliefs about the significance of Israel's existence.
The IDF confirmed the footage is authentic, called the soldier’s conduct “wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops,” opened an investigation, and pledged to help restore the statue. Good. That is what a moral army does. We should be proud of that response.
Furthermore, a stronger Christian presence in the Middle East is demonstrably beneficial for Jews and Israel. These ancient communities, facing persecution and displacement, represent a bulwark against the extremist ideologies that seek to reshape the region in their own image. Christians and Jews are not rivals in this civilizational struggle; they are on the same side, united against a common enemy. To alienate these vital allies by focusing on historical grievances – the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Church's silence during the Holocaust – is a grave strategic error. History, while important, should not dictate our present alliances.
Who is actually standing with us?
We must recognize that the Christians marching for Israel today are not the persecutors of our ancestors. Just as we understand that modern Germany and Japan are not defined by their past aggressions, we must apply the same logic to our relationship with contemporary Christian communities. Their support for Israel in 2026 is a powerful force for good, and it is incumbent upon us to reciprocate that support and foster a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values, rather than allowing a single, albeit disturbing, incident to jeopardize crucial alliances.
A Middle East with a stronger Christian presence is a Middle East that is better for Jews and better for Israel.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
