Christian Leaders Call for Clemency for IDF Member Who Desecrated Statue of Jesus: 'We Forgive This Soldier'

Tuly Weisz : Apr 24, 2026
Israel365News

In an extraordinary act of grace, Christian leaders from around the world are calling on President Herzog to release the IDF soldier who desecrated a statue of Jesus in Lebanon, saying forgiveness, not punishment, is the right response.

[Israel365News.com] In a remarkable turn that few could have anticipated, a coalition of prominent Christian Zionist leaders has issued a public letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog calling for clemency for the IDF soldier who smashed a statue of Jesus Christ in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon—and declaring, on behalf of their communities: "We forgive this soldier." (Screengrab image: via National Geographic video)

Christians interested in adding their name to the letter, which will be presented to Israeli President Herzog, can click here to sign the letter.

The letter, prepared by Byron Stinson of Boneh Israel and Donna Jollay, Director of Christian Relations at Israel365 and signed by Christian leaders from across the world, comes directly in response to the condemnation issued by more than 200 rabbis and Jewish leaders organized by Israel365 Action, which garnered worldwide attention ...

"We appreciate the fact that the government of Israel has reprimanded the soldier, but disagree with the decision to send him to jail," said Stinson... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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