An Israeli settler was arrested by Israeli police on Monday after he violently attacked a French nun in East Jerusalem’s Old City.

The assault took place in front of the Cenacle, on Mount Zion, when the nun, affiliated to the École Biblique et Archéologique Française, was walking in the area that has been esteemed by Christians as the location of the upper room of the last supper. 

A researcher from the Dominican-run biblical and archaeological Institute revealed that she had suffered bruises to the head and other injuries when a 36-year-old suspect approached her from behind and forcefully pushed her onto the pavement before kicking her repeatedly as she lay on the ground. 

He added that the suspect was arrested on Monday and has been questioned on suspicion of racist assault.  

According to The Catholic Herald, two Israeli women and a man who were bystanding intervened to stop the assault and assisted to escape through Zion's Gate, where she received medical attention for her injuries. 

The attacker allegedly pursued the group before withdrawing. 

The incident has been condemned by Fr Oliver Poquillon, the director of the Ecole Biblique, who described it as an “unprovoked assault” and an act of “sectarian violence”.  

Israeli police confirmed the arrest of the 36-year-old suspect late on Tuesday night, later emphasising that the case is being treated with the utmost severity, viewing any violence driven by potentially racist motives against members of the clergy as particularly grave. 

In a strong statement on X on Wednesday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry expressed its sympathies to the nun and solidarity with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.  

It described the attack as “despicable”, later adding that Israel maintains a firm policy against violence, especially towards innocent individuals and members of religious communities. It noted that the police responded quickly, and the suspect remains in custody. 

This incident comes shortly after documented instances of repeated harassment, spitting, verbal misconduct and physical attacks against Christian clergy, monks, nuns, and pilgrims. 

On Thursday, Israeli Police released footage of the attack that they say was carried out by a man who identified the woman as a Christian and decided to assault her because of her religious identity. No further charges or court appearances have been publicly detailed, and The École Biblique has expressed hope that authorities will act with firmness and speed to uphold justice and deter further such acts.