Palestinian extremists said to torch Jenin church’s Christmas tree, nativity scene

A Christmas tree and nativity were burned before dawn on Monday in Jenin’s Holy Redeemer Church, the Latin Catholic church says on Facebook.

The Palestinian Authority’s civil defense agency was able to contain the fire within the church gates, according to the church. No injuries or arrests are reported.

The church indicates that the arson is thought to have been committed by Muslim Palestinians rather than Jewish settlers.

Father Amer Jubran, the parish priest, says in a statement via the church that the fire was a “shameful and reprehensible act perpetrated by outlaws” that did not reflect Muslim-Christian relations among Palestinians.

The Christmas tree at the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin was set on fire and destroyed. pic.twitter.com/9rf6s0ll79

— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) December 22, 2025

Jenin area church leaders met with Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub and other PA officials at the governor’s office later Monday to discuss the arson investigation and stress inter-communal unity, according to the Holy Redeemer Church.

Referring to Israel, the church says: “We’re certain that this incident only serves the occupation’s agenda — to sow division among our people.”