Phil Giraldi : Israelis Suppressing Christianity.

Summary

In this compelling discussion, Judge Andrew Napolitano and Phil Geraldi explore the suppression of Christianity in Israel, focusing on the challenges faced by Palestinian Christians, particularly regarding their religious freedoms. They delve into the impact of Pope Francis’ death, U.S. policies, and the role of Christian Zionists. The conversation also touches on controversial issues like the justification of starvation as a weapon in Gaza, Israel’s suppression of Christian celebrations, and the growing Christian exodus from the Middle East. The dialogue critiques global apathy towards these injustices, highlighting the need for stronger international responses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The suppression of Christianity in Israel is a major issue, particularly in places significant to Christian faith like Gaza and Jerusalem.
• 😀 Pope Francis' death has political implications, especially in relation to his humanitarian efforts in Gaza, but Israel's response to his death was largely dismissive.
• 😀 The United States and Israel's relationship with Gaza is strained, with accusations that Israel is using starvation as a weapon and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
• 😀 The role of Mike Huckabee as the U.S. ambassador to Israel is controversial, particularly for justifying the blockade on Gaza and starvation tactics against its civilians.
• 😀 Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and Palestine, are experiencing significant decline due to persecution and migration caused by conflicts.
• 😀 Israel restricts Christian religious activities, including limiting permits for religious events and celebrations, especially in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
• 😀 Netanyahu's government has made arbitrary decisions to reduce Christian presence and visibility in major holy sites, including controlling religious practices in public spaces.
• 😀 The suppression of Christianity is not due to security threats but is driven by an ideological agenda linked to extremist Zionist elements in the Israeli government.
• 😀 The Israeli government's hostility towards Christians includes physical assaults, vandalism of churches, and discriminatory policies that prevent freedom of religious expression.
• 😀 There is a broader issue of censorship and political influence from powerful Israel lobby groups, especially in the U.S. and Europe, suppressing criticism of Israeli policies.

Q & A

What is the primary topic discussed in the interview with Phil Geraldi?

The primary topic discussed is the suppression of Christianity in Israel, particularly the restrictions and challenges faced by Christian communities in the birthplace of Christianity, alongside broader geopolitical issues involving Israel and the US.

How does Phil Geraldi describe the impact of Pope Francis' death in Israel?

Phil Geraldi suggests that Pope Francis' death had significant meaning in Israel, particularly due to his humanitarian efforts and personal communication with the Catholic church in Gaza. Despite Israel's removal of condolences, the Pope had an impact, especially with his daily contact with the Holy Family Church in Gaza.

What criticism does Phil Geraldi have about US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's stance on Gaza?

Phil Geraldi criticizes Mike Huckabee for justifying the use of starvation as a weapon against Gaza's civilians, which he believes is a war crime. Geraldi also claims Huckabee is lying about the reasons humanitarian aid is not reaching Gaza, pointing to Israel breaking a ceasefire agreement as the root cause.

What does Phil Geraldi argue about the suppression of Christianity in the Middle East?

Phil Geraldi argues that Christianity is dying in the Middle East, with significant reductions in Christian populations in countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. He points to Israeli policies and actions, such as restrictions on religious activities and persecution, as major contributing factors.

What is the significance of permits for religious activities in Israel, according to Geraldi?

Geraldi explains that Catholics in Palestine are required to obtain permits for religious activities outside of church buildings, with the number of permits significantly reduced in recent years, especially for Easter and Christmas. This restricts their ability to practice their faith freely.

Why does Geraldi believe Netanyahu's government is suppressing Christians in Israel?

Geraldi suggests that Netanyahu's government aims to reduce the presence of Christians in cities like Jerusalem and Bethlehem, restricting their religious activities and celebrations. He emphasizes that this suppression is not based on any real threat posed by Christians but stems from ideological and political motives.

What is the context behind the reduction in permits for Christians during major religious holidays?

The reduction in permits, from 50,000 to about 5,000, for religious activities during Christmas and Easter is part of a broader effort by Netanyahu's government to limit Christian presence in public spaces. The government wants to restrict religious activities to church buildings and reduce the visibility of Christians in key locations.

How does Phil Geraldi view the role of the United States and Europe in the suppression of Christianity in the Middle East?

Geraldi criticizes both the United States and European countries for failing to take strong positions against Israel's actions. He claims that these countries, despite their large Christian populations, have done little to stop the persecution of Christians in the Holy Land, partly due to political pressures and the influence of pro-Israel lobbies.

What does Geraldi mention about the behavior of Israeli settlers towards Christians?

Geraldi describes how Israeli settlers, often from the United States, engage in acts of anti-Christian violence, such as spitting on Christians or vandalizing churches. These actions are reportedly overlooked by the Israeli police and military, contributing to a hostile environment for Christians in Israel.

What are the challenges faced by journalists and visitors in Israel who report or interact with Christian sites?

Geraldi shares an example of a journalist from Haaretz, who dressed as a Catholic priest in Jerusalem's Old City and was spat on repeatedly by Israeli settlers, including Israeli soldiers. This illustrates the hostility faced by Christians and even Christian supporters in Israel, especially when they attempt to engage with religious sites or report on the situation.