By Daoud Kuttab

A prominent group of secular Christians from Israel’s 1948 territories has issued a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning the government’s failure to mourn the death of Pope Francis publicly.

In a letter signed by the Holy Land Christian Forum and Haifa-based activist Wadih Abu Nassar, the group expressed “deep concern and anger” over the Israeli Foreign Ministry’s directive barring diplomats and embassies from issuing statements of condolence. They described the absence of any official expression of sympathy as “a grave insult” and “unacceptable,” criticizing it as starkly contradicting Israel’s frequent assertions of respect for religious pluralism.

The letter also referenced ongoing challenges faced by the Christian community in Israel, citing “alarming events” such as the violent obstruction by Israeli police of Christian worshippers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Holy Fire celebrations last Saturday.

The protest drew wide attention, with the story making front pages in both Israeli and international media outlets. The outcry, coupled with criticism from Vatican officials, ultimately pressured the Israeli government into issuing a belated and brief statement of condolence.

Despite this, no high-ranking Israeli officials attended Pope Francis’s funeral, with only the Israeli ambassador to Italy present. His attendance on a Saturday weakened the government’s argument that observance of the Jewish Sabbath prevented broader official participation.

The incident has further strained relations between Israel’s Christian minority and the government, raising serious questions about the state’s commitment to religious respect and inclusion.

Below is a PDF of the letter