The Catholic University Religious Studies Department and the Institute of Policy Studies hosted an international webinar on January 24, focused on the complex issues surrounding Sacred Spaces in Israel/Palestine. The event opened with a presentation by Professor Marshall Breger of Catholic Law. Other panelists included Fr. David Neuhaus, a professor at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Jerusalem and former vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel; Professor Mohammed Moussa Ramadan, an expert in Islamic Law from Strasbourg University, France; and Dan Arbell, a Scholar in Residence at the Center for Israel Studies at American University and a former senior Israeli diplomat.

The panel explored the current legal and political realities of the Holy Places under the administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Particular emphasis was given to the challenges faced by Christians in the Holy Land, who often feel marginalized in Jerusalem, perceiving their presence as tolerated rather than integral to a multi-religious city.

Professor Breger highlighted recent legal challenges encountered by Christians in Jerusalem, including instances of church desecration, harassment—such as spitting on Christian clergy—and disputes over longstanding tax exemptions rooted in the Ottoman-era "status quo" agreements. These exemptions traditionally covered municipal taxes, property taxes (arnona), and utility bills such as water and electricity for religious activities beyond worship.

The discussion also delved into the politics of prayer at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. The increasing normalization of Jewish prayer at the site was examined, as well as concerns regarding the "Jordanization" of the Haram, referring to the historical role of Jordan in managing the site's religious affairs. Breger noted that the situation at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron serves as a concerning precedent for the potential escalation of tensions over shared holy spaces.

The webinar provided a nuanced exploration of these critical topics, shedding light on the legal, religious, and political dynamics shaping the future of Sacred Spaces in the region. The webinar can be viewed here.