Theologian: Israel has introduced taxes on churches that even Muslims never levied
Theologian J.D. Hall stated that the financial pressure on Christians in Israel is incomparable to anything seen since the era of Islamic rule in the region.
American theologian J.D. Hall, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, stated that the current Israeli authorities are taxing Christian churches — something that even Muslim rulers did not do during four centuries of Ottoman rule.
During the conversation, the expert noted that in the time of the Ottoman Empire, a "millet" system was in place in Palestine, under which Islamic authorities not only refrained from taxing churches but also protected pilgrims and restored Christian shrines. In particular, according to Hall, Muslim rulers rebuilt or carried out major renovations of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre three times.
However, the modern situation has changed dramatically. Hall reported that Israeli authorities recently froze the bank accounts of the Orthodox Church over claims of non-payment of newly introduced taxes. Since the Church is unable to pay the enormous sums accumulated over several years, the authorities are threatening to confiscate church property for further settlement construction.
The theologian emphasized that indigenous believers, whose communities have existed on these lands longer than the state of Israel itself, are today facing unprecedented financial pressure. In his view, this refutes the myth that Israel is a "friend of Christians," since under Muslim rule the legal and financial position of the Churches was more stable.
As the UOJ previously reported, Israeli authorities illegally seized land belonging to the Jerusalem Church in Silwan.
