Israel’s Christian Envoy Tells a Story of Religious Coexistence That Critics Ignore

In April 2026, Israel appointed Ambassador George Deek, a Christian Arab from Jaffa and former ambassador to Azerbaijan, as its first Special Envoy to the Christian World. This appointment aims to strengthen Israel's relationship with Christians globally, countering narratives that portray Israel as hostile to Christians. Tricia Miller, Director of CAMERA’s Partnership of Christians and Jews, stated, "This appointment by the Foreign Ministry demonstrates the importance the Israeli government places on its relationship with Christians inside Israel and around the world." The Christian population in Israel has grown from 34,000 in 1948 to over 180,000 today, and Israel is home to at least 300 active churches, with Christian holy sites protected by law. This contrasts sharply with the decline of Christian communities in other Middle Eastern countries. Deek's role is intended to highlight Israel's diverse society and its commitment to religious coexistence.