Reports of a police raid at a Christmas event in Haifa have been categorically denied by the Israel Police. Following the circulation of footage showing arrests during the celebration, various media outlets, including the Qatar state-run Al Jazeera, claimed that police had “stormed” the event, leading to significant public outcry.
The Israel Police released a statement on December 7, 2023, asserting that the claims were “false.” They emphasized, “Contrary to false claims circulating online, Israel Police did not raid a Christmas event in Haifa.” The statement was prompted by the distribution of videos that alleged police disruption, with accusations of violence against attendees, including claims from Al Jazeera that the police had created “chaos” and engaged in “arresting and beating Christians in the area.”
In addition to Al Jazeera, the Turkish state-run outlet TRT and Middle East Eye also reported on the incidents, drawing attention to the tensions surrounding the event. Notably, far-right social media figure Stew Peters shared the footage, suggesting that Israel was “tossing [Christians] in jail,” further fueling the narrative of police aggression.
In response, the Israel Police clarified, stating the reality was “quite the opposite.” According to their account, officers were present to maintain safety at the event and intervened only to address the behavior of three individuals who were acting disorderly. They added that their actions allowed the festive celebration to continue without further disruptions.
The Christian community in Haifa, which is predominantly Arab, represents approximately 6.8% of Israel’s Arab population. Haifa is home to one of the largest Christian populations in the country, with around 18,800 residents identifying as Christian. This demographic is significant, as nearly 15% of all Christian Israelis reside in the Haifa District, making it a vital center for the community.
As the situation develops, the Israel Police continue to stress their commitment to public safety and the peaceful celebration of religious and cultural events within the diverse fabric of Israeli society.
