The decision of a group of Arabic-speaking Christians in Israel to identify themselves as Arameans—and not as Arabs—has deep roots in their history. By officially. . .

For decades, Christians have suffered from persecution at the hands of Palestinian Muslims. It’s Israel that grants them safe harbor.

Israel’s Aramean-Christians have finally won official recognition as a community distinct from the Arab-Muslim minority. “I have no words,” says their grateful spiritual leader.

Timing themselves with the pope’s visit, some mainstream media reported a drastic decline in Israel’s Christian population. The opposite is the case.