Ex-US congresswoman concerned over Christian persecution in Bethlehem, cites illegal Israeli settlements

“Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. American Christians are largely unaware of the Christian persecution happening there, but need to learn about this and speak out,” Greene wrote in a post on US social media company X on Monday.

Greene said she met with Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati, adding, "Today I had the honor of meeting with Maher N. Canawati, the Mayor of Bethlehem (the birthplace of Jesus), who is also a Christian," and discussed the pressures facing Christians in Bethlehem, Gaza, and the West Bank, noting that Christians have also been killed in Israel's attacks on Gaza and that churches have been targeted.

Citing Canawati, she said: “The Mayor says they only want to live in peace alongside their Jewish and Muslim neighbors in their homes that they legally own yet the settlers continue to take their homes.”

Greene also said there are currently 139 Israeli army checkpoints in Bethlehem, adding that the city once covered 41 square miles but has now been reduced to seven square miles.

“What is the Holy Land without Christians?” she questioned.