When holy places are spat upon: a cry from a Christian pastor and leader in Jerusalem

While recently guiding a group of 16 peace studies students from the U.S., Canada, Hungary, and the UK through Jerusalem, I was teaching them about the sacredness of this city—a city revered by Christians, Muslims, and Jews. 

As we stood near the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of Gethsemane, a group of young Jewish students walked by with their leaders. To our shock and sorrow, they began spitting in front of the church—an act of contempt simply because it was a Christian place of worship.

As a local Christian and a follower of Jesus, this pierced my heart. Not just for the disrespect shown to a holy site, but for what it reflects: a failure to recognize the dignity of others made in the image of God.

We pray not for revenge, but for change.

How long will such despicable acts go unchecked and unchallenged? Where are the voices in Israeli society who will denounce this? Where are the educators who will teach their students respect, not hatred?

We pray not for revenge, but for change.

Jesus, who wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41), still weeps today—for a city divided, for hearts hardened by history and fear. Yet he also taught us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). And even more radically, he told us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

We, as Christians in this land, will continue to do just that. We will not return hate for hate, or spit for spit. But we will not be silent. We call on religious leaders, educators, and government officials to speak up, to act, and to teach the next generation a better way.

As the Apostle Paul reminded the early church, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). That is our calling. That is our cry. And may the God of peace transform hearts in this land—starting with ours.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara is the President of Bethlehem Bible College. Born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem, Jack studied at Bethlehem Bible College after committing his life to Christ and his teachings. Jack is an ordained minister with Evangelical Alliance Church in the Holy Land where he still maintains an overseeing role with the leadership of the churches. He worked extensively in the areas of peace & reconciliation and is a consultant for the World Evangelical Alliance for the Middle East & North Africa.