Christians

Middle Israel: Jesus-statue smasher is product of Jewish fundamentalism - opinion

Unfortunately, what the IDF soldiers in Lebanon did when they smashed the statue of Jesus represents a syndrome much larger than the two young idiots they evidently are.

Here, the Israeli soldier damages the head of a statue of Jesus, in Debel, Lebanon, in this still image obtained from social media released on April 19.
A woman checks a social media post on her mobile phone featuring an image that appears to show an Israeli soldier hitting a statue of Jesus Christ in the southern Lebanese Christian village of Debl, in Beirut on April 20, 2026.

Disgrace in Debel: A single incident undermines Israel’s reputation for tolerance - editorial

FOREIGN MINISTER Gideon Sa'ar and new envoy to Christian world George Deek.

Israel appoints new envoy to Christian world after Lebanese Jesus statue, Pizzaballa controversies

Residents of Debel in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL officers, and a local priest stand next to the newly replaced Jesus statue.

Lebanese town, UNIFIL replace IDF-gifted Jesus statue with replica of crucifix smashed by soldier


Pope Leo 'using more politics than he should' amid US-Iran war, say Trump supporters - NBC

Pope Leo has criticized US President Donald Trump's actions against Iran in multiple instances, leading to a social media squabble between the two leaders.

A combination picture shows Pope Leo XIV addressing Algeria's political leaders at the cultural centre of the Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa El Djazair), where he criticized violations of international law by "neocolonial" world powers, in Mohamadia, Algiers, Algeria, April 13, 2026.

'Deviated from IDF values': Soldiers who smashed Lebanese Jesus statue removed from combat

The IDF expressed its deep regret over the incident, emphasizing that its operations in Lebanon are against Hezbollah and other terror groups alone, and not Lebanese civilians.

This X/Twitter screenshot shows an alleged incident where an IDF soldier is seen smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon on April 19, 2026.

Some 150 Jewish leaders denounce, apologize for IDF soldier's defacement of Lebanese Jesus statue

Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform rabbis and other Jewish leaders signed the letter organized by Israel365 Action, an NGO that builds bridges between evangelical Christians and Jewish communities.

Christians pray on Good Friday in Cathedral St. Thomas church, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran continues, in Tyre, Lebanon, April 3, 2026.

Nationwide Bible reading event marks 250 years of scripture in America

The Museum of the Bible hosts "America Reads the Bible," a weeklong event with 500 participants reading Scripture, featuring contributions from figures in politics, media, and entertainment.

Patricia Heaton onstage during the America Reads The Bible Event At The Museum Of The Bible on April 19, 2026, in Washington.

IDF confirms image of soldier smashing Jesus statue in southern Lebanon is authentic

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar decried the incident, labeling it “grave and disgraceful” and extending an apology to Christians who felt hurt by the incident. 

This X/Twitter screenshot shows an alleged incident where an IDF soldier is seen smashing a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon on April 19, 2026.

Lebanese Maronite party leader Geagea denounces Hezbollah as cause of violence, displacement

Meanwhile, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem told Iranian media five steps that the terror group requires for a ceasefire with Israel.

Head of the Lebanese Forces Party Samir Geagea attends an interview with Reuters in Maarab, Lebanon November 14, 2024; illustrative.

Tennessee advances ‘Judea and Samaria’ bill, sends measure to governor

The bill, titled the “Recognizing Judea and Samaria Act,” would prohibit Tennessee state agencies from using the term “West Bank” in official products.

The Tennessee State Capitol building pictured in 2022.

Is the US failing the Bonhoeffer Test this Holocaust Remembrance Day? - opinion

Bonhoeffer railed against Christians who neither steal, nor murder, nor commit violence themselves, but who “close their eyes and ears to the injustice around them.”

Nazi rally (Illustrative).

International Christian Embassy condemns burning of Netanyahu effigy at Spain Easter ceremony

The group also urged the Vatican to reconsider what it described as one-sided criticism of Israel and to take steps to prevent similar incidents globally. 

People cheer as an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is blown up, in this screengrab from a video obtained from social media, in El Burgo, Spain, April 5, 2026.

'A beacon of tolerance': Holy Fire ceremony marked in Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem's Municipality had worked with the Tourism and Interior Ministries to prepare for the event, with Mayor Moshe Lion extending his blessing to the Jerusalem Christian community.

Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday on April 11, 2026.