Teen spitting near Jerusalem nun reported to police
Sister Mayela wears her black veil and habit as she walks to work near where another Catholic nun was violently attacked in Jerusalem’s Old City, but she now goes with a Jewish volunteer for protection. A Mexican nun who has lived in Jerusalem on and off for more than two decades, she said the attack has changed how she moves through the city.
Christians in Israel, who make up less than 2% of the country’s population, are worried that visible signs of their faith will draw harassment, which has increased as multiple conflicts grip the region.
“I’m scared after the sister was beat up,” Sister Mayela said. “Before, one could live with more confidence. Some people spat, some said hi. Now we have to live trusting in God.”
She said she finds resilience in her faith and in support from Israelis like the volunteers. Even that support, though, did not prevent a teen from spitting right behind her as she and the volunteer passed a group of ultra-Orthodox Jews recently. The teen said she was only clearing her throat, but the volunteer reported the incident to police.