Christians in PA -controlled areas have taken to praying in secret. In contrast to the world-wide fuss over the purchase of a hostel in Jerusalem 's 'Christian Quarter' by Jews , this steady and often violent encroachment has met with a thunderous silence in the Christian world. The pattern of increased violence has been unmistakable. Last December 21, a school for nuns was torched. During the first week in March, there was an attempt to break through the wall of the Carmelite monastery, followed by a break-in at a Christian school.
Christians complain they're publicly harassed and harangued for their faith.
Muslim families of 10 and 12 children leave smaller Christian families awash in an Islamic sea, afraid they will be overwhelmed by the refugee camps and Muslim villages around Bethlehem. Many of the town's Christians are afraid to talk openly now.