Israeli President Isaac Herzog has voiced concern over the growing emigration of young Christian families from Israel and called for enhanced protection of Christian communities and holy sites in the Holy Land.

Herzog made the remarks on January 12 during the annual Christmas–New Year reception for representatives of Christian denominations, held at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, according to the Israeli government’s press service. The event was attended by Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III, heads and representatives of Christian churches in the Holy Land, as well as officials from state institutions.

Speaking at the gathering, Herzog described the trend of Christian emigration as alarming and said it requires closer attention from the authorities. “This is their home—just as it is my home, and our shared home,” he said, stressing that Christians must feel welcome and safe in the country. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, the president reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to freedom of religion and pledged continued efforts to safeguard religious sites and counter any form of intimidation or persecution of believers.

Patriarch Theophilos III, for his part, outlined a number of serious challenges facing Christian communities, according to Orthodox Times, citing the Patriarchate’s press service. He pointed to what he described as rising hostility from radical groups in the West Bank and Jerusalem, as well as issues of crime and violence in northern parts of Israel. The patriarch emphasized the need to develop effective mechanisms that would allow neighboring communities to coexist in an atmosphere of mutual respect and security.

Patriarch Theophilos also expressed hope that the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could become a step toward a lasting and sustainable peace. He reaffirmed the readiness of Christian churches to continue their humanitarian and peacebuilding mission in the region.