On April 23, 2026, Israel appointed veteran diplomat George Deek as its first ever Special Envoy to the Christian World. This appointment comes amid a wave of incidents rocking the Christian world, including the smashing of a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon by an IDF soldier and restrictions on Christian worship in Jerusalem during Holy Week as a result of the war in Iran, which occurred earlier in April.
The restrictions on Christian worship that week were lifted and Israeli officials said it had all been due to security concerns. Critics argue the move violates religious freedom. Israel was involved in heavy daily missile fire with Iran at the time.
In Lebanon, the IDF said the soldier’s behavior violated its values, and took action to repair the damage, even replacing the damaged statue. While Israel guarantees its commitment to freedom of religion, these incidents have rocked the Christian community in Israel, the Middle East, and beyond, sparking condemnation globally.
In Israel, Christians make up only 2% of the population, with most of them being Arab Christians.
However, for Deek, this isn’t just about professional experience. He is an Arab Christian from Jaffa who has served as a diplomat for 18 years, and served as Israel’s first Christian ambassador to Azerbaijan.
The position is meant to “deepen Israel’s ties with Christian communities around the world.” Deek will be acting as a direct liaison between Israel and the global Christian community. That includes outreach with Christian organizations, leaders, churches, while also working to repair relationships strained by recent incidents.
He will also be representing Israel on the world stage through travel, including speaking engagements, engagement with church networks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and diplomatic forums.
The role also includes a strong public diplomacy component, communicating Israel’s position on religious freedom and countering criticism. Within the government, Deek will primarily work as part of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but also alongside other government agencies, working to improve policies affecting Christian holy sites and respond more effectively and appropriately to incidents, tensions, and controversies.
This is a brand new, created position within the Israeli government.
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