SouthernWorldwide.com – Israel has appointed its first-ever ambassador specifically tasked with engaging the Christian world, a significant move aimed at strengthening diplomatic and religious ties. Ambassador George Deek will spearhead this new initiative, focusing on fostering better relationships with Christian communities globally.
Deek highlighted a concerning trend of Christian populations diminishing across the Middle East. He stated that Israel is unique in the region as the only nation where the Christian population is not only surviving but actively growing.
He elaborated on the drastic decline of Christians in the region, noting that they have dwindled from 20% of the Middle East’s population to less than 2% today. Many areas that once boasted vibrant Christian communities have seen their numbers drastically reduced to almost nothing.
Despite the challenges faced by Christian communities elsewhere, Israel has seen its Christian population increase. The country currently has 300 churches, which is double the number present in 1948. The Christian population has grown from 34,000 in 1948 to over 180,000 today.
Ambassador Deek expressed his hope that his role will help build strong bridges between Israel and Christian leaders. He aims to achieve this by presenting a more comprehensive narrative of the State of Israel, which he believes is often overlooked in global discourse.
Data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics indicates that as of December 2025, the Christian population in Israel numbered approximately 184,200. This figure represents 1.9% of the country’s total population, with a growth rate of 0.7% recorded in the preceding year.
Deek, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan for six years, noted that many people primarily associate Israel with its Jewish identity. They are often unaware of the rich diversity and complexity within Israeli society.
The decision to appoint an envoy to the Christian world, announced by the Foreign Ministry in April, is based on three key factors. Firstly, it acknowledges the special connection Christians share with the land of Israel, recognized as the birthplace of Christianity.
Secondly, there is a deep historical bond evident in the churches of the Holy Land. This connection is further reinforced by the shared biblical values that underpin both Christian and Jewish societies, influencing principles such as democracy, individualism, and freedom of conscience and thought.
Thirdly, Israel places significant importance on nurturing relationships with people of all denominations and religions. This commitment underscores Israel’s role in fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation.
Deek emphasized Israel’s unique relationship with Christian people worldwide and the Christian community within Israel. He reiterated that Israel is the sole nation in the Middle East where the Christian population is demonstrably growing and thriving as an integral part of Israeli society.
The organization, which has operated from Jerusalem for 46 years, maintains a global presence with offices and representatives in 95 countries, reaching approximately 185 nations worldwide. This extensive network facilitates its outreach and engagement efforts.
Recently, the organization convened an emergency summit focused on antisemitism. This event brought together over 200 theologians, pastors, and ministry leaders from more than 30 countries in person, with an additional 3,000 participants joining virtually.
Deek believes Israel has the potential to serve as both an inspiration and a partner across the region and beyond. He envisions Israel playing a role in ensuring that individuals can freely practice their faith and remain in their ancestral lands.
However, Deek acknowledged that in recent months, there have been isolated incidents involving attacks on Christian symbols and, in one instance, an assault on a Christian nun. These events have drawn condemnation and underscore the ongoing need for vigilance.
He stressed that such acts are an attack on the fundamental values of tolerance and acceptance upon which Israel is founded. Deek asserted that no one has the right to attack or use violence against anyone, particularly targeting religious symbols of Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.
Deek further stated that these incidents are absolutely unacceptable. He highlighted that the leadership of the State of Israel, from the prime minister to the foreign minister, has unequivocally condemned such actions with full unanimity.
The Israeli soldier responsible for desecrating a cross in southern Lebanon has been imprisoned. Similarly, the individual who assaulted a nun in Jerusalem is also facing legal consequences. Deek pointed to these cases as evidence that Israel takes such incidents very seriously and enforces the law rigorously.
Amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents in Europe and other regions following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 massacre, Deek noted that hatred targeting Jews often extends to other groups. He observed that the same animosity that led to the expulsion of Jews from Arab countries in the 20th century has, over the past two decades, been directed towards other minorities in the region.
He cited the example of Hamas actively pushing out the Christian population from Gaza, leading to their complete disappearance from the area.
In this challenging context, Israel stands out as the only place where minorities can live safely and practice their faith without fear. Deek emphasized that these communities not only survive but thrive within the State of Israel.
Despite these positive aspects, Deek pointed to a concerted effort by forces from both the “woke left” and the right, alongside extremist Islamist groups. These entities, he claims, are manipulating Christian faith and promoting narratives about the alleged mistreatment of Christians in Israel.
Deek views his role as a personal mission to encourage as many Christians as possible to visit the land of Israel. He clarifies that this is not a political campaign but rather an invitation for them to connect with their Bible, scripture, and the roots of their values by visiting these significant historical sites.
He added that under the protection of Israel, as the guardian of Christianity’s holy sites, visitors can reconnect with these values. This, he believes, serves as a reminder that these are the biblical values that unite Jews, Christians, and all people of the book globally.
