President Isaac Herzog shared that he feels "deep pride in Israel's Christian communities," reaffirming that Israel will continue to protect freedom of worship for people of all faiths.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Franciscan Sisters at the St. Antonio Convent in Jerusalem ahead of the Christmas holiday, sharing a prayer for peace and fraternity with the religious community.

During the visit, Herzog and the sisters stood united against all forms of hatred and extremism, according to a post the president shared on social media on Tuesday.

"I feel deep pride inIsrael's Christian communities, which are an integral part of our nation," Herzog wrote. "The State of Israel will continue to protect the freedom of worship for people of all faiths and communities."

The president extended Christmas and New Year greetings to Christian communities in Israel, the Middle East, and around the world.

Israel's Christian population

Some 2% of Israel’s population is Christian

Israel is home to approximately 185,000 Christians, representing roughly 2% of the population. The community includes Arab Christians, Armenian Christians, and smaller groups of Maronites, Copts, and others.

The community is predominantly Arab Christian, with 78.7% identifying as such. They account for 6.8% of Israel's Arab population.

For the 184,200 Christians celebrating Christmas in Israel this week, the holiday carries a particular resonance. This is, after all, where it all began – from the Galilee hills where Jesus walked to the Bethlehem manger just a short distance away. Two millennia later, the community is alive and well.

Ezra Taylor contributed to this report