A shocking video of a French Catholic nun being shoved and kicked on a Jerusalem street has drawn sharp rebuke from Spain, which is pressing Israel to ensure worship freedoms and prosecute the attacker. The assault occurred at Mount Zion, a site of profound significance to Jews and Christians alike.
Spain’s Foreign Ministry took to X to voice its outrage: ‘Spain’s government condemns in the strongest terms the grave assault on a French Catholic nun in Jerusalem. We express our solidarity with the victim and wish her prompt recovery. The culprit must face justice.’ The statement emphasized the need for Israel to uphold religious liberties, preserve Jerusalem’s delicate status quo, and implement measures against violence.
The nun, affiliated with the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research, was walking when the 36-year-old assailant charged from behind, knocking her down narrowly avoiding a cement block. He then kicked her before fleeing momentarily, only to return briefly. A quick-thinking bystander stepped in, and police swiftly detained the man.
Israeli officials decried the ‘despicable’ incident, noting the area’s dual reverence—King David’s tomb for Jews and the traditional Last Supper venue for Christians. While the victim sustained only light scratches, the attack highlights vulnerabilities faced by religious figures in tense zones.
This episode fuels broader debates on protecting pilgrims and clergy amid geopolitical strains. Spain’s intervention signals growing European unease, potentially influencing diplomatic dialogues on Jerusalem’s sanctity and security protocols.
