FEATURE REPORT

Christians in Gaza forced to conversion

Israel Today

Christians in Gaza protested against the forced conversion of some of their brothers in faith. They claim that two members of their congregation were kidnapped and had to convert to Islam against their own will.

However, the police in Gaza announced that they are accommodated in the house of a Muslim religious official due to their own wish because they were afraid of retaliation by their families.

On the other hand, Alexious, the Arch Bishop of Gaza, said that the converts would have to be brought back to their families together with their children.

Today, about 1,500 Christians live in Gaza amongst a population of 1.7 million Muslims. Christians regard themselves more and more as being put on the defensive since the takeover by radical Islamic Hamas in 2007. Up to now, they kept cool, since protests against Hamas can be dangerous. By this demonstration, Gaza’s Christian congregation is showing as to what extent their patience is limited.