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Far-right activist Tommy Robinson faces backlash over misleading Church of the Holy Sepulchre claims during his Israel visit.
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson has sparked controversy online after sharing misleading information about one of Christianity’s most sacred sites during his Israeli government-sponsored visit to Jerusalem.
In a video posted Sunday, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, claimed visitors “probably wouldn’t be able to visit” the Church of the Holy Sepulchre if it weren’t “under the control of the state of Israel.” The church is revered as the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial.
What Robinson failed to acknowledge was the church’s long history of protection under Muslim rule for centuries. Most notably, the 20-centimeter iron key to the church has been entrusted to two Palestinian Muslim families in Jerusalem – the Nuseibeh and Joudeh families – who have been responsible for opening and closing the church doors for nearly a millennium.
This arrangement dates back to 1187 when Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (Saladin) captured Jerusalem from the Crusaders. He designated these families as neutral guardians of the holy site, which is shared by multiple Christian denominations – an arrangement that continues to symbolize Muslim-Christian coexistence in the region.
Social media users quickly responded with historical corrections. Journalist Hala Jaber noted: “The Church you visited, Tommy? Its keys are held by two Muslim families, the Nuseibehs and Joudehs, guardians since Saladin’s time in 1187. Muslims protected Christianity’s holiest site for 900 years.”
Another user pointedly asked: “Who preserved those Christian locations for centuries? Israel’s only 75 years old.”
Robinson’s claims about religious freedom for Christians were similarly contested. In his video, he suggested that Christians wouldn’t have religious freedom under “a caliphate… or Palestine or the Palestinian Authority or Hamas.” However, numerous observers pointed to documented instances of harassment and intimidation of Palestinian Christians by Israeli settlers, often enabled by authorities.
Palestinian Christian leaders have spoken about facing increasingly difficult circumstances. Last year, Palestinian Reverend Munther Isaac described “very dark days” for Palestinian Christians since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023.
Critics also highlighted multiple incidents of damage to Christian sites during recent conflicts. The 5th-century Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza, one of Christianity’s oldest sites, was damaged during an Israeli strike on the adjacent Ahli Baptist Hospital in October 2023. A Byzantine church discovered in northern Gaza in 1997 is believed to have been destroyed by Israeli forces. In July, Israeli settlers reportedly burned the historic Church of Saint George in the Christian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, along with its adjoining graveyard.
Robinson’s visit has proven particularly controversial as his verdict on a terrorism-related charge in the UK has been delayed due to his Israel trip. He was invited by Israel’s diaspora minister, Amichai Chikli, who described him as a “courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam.”
The activist faces charges under Britain’s counter-terrorism legislation for allegedly refusing to provide police officers with his phone passcode when stopped at the Channel Tunnel in July last year. His legal troubles extend back to 2003, with previous convictions for offenses including football brawling, traveling on another person’s passport, mortgage fraud, drug possession, and threatening behavior.
Robinson’s visit has been condemned by numerous organizations, including those typically supportive of Israel. The Board of Deputies of British Jews issued a statement calling Robinson “a thug who represents the very worst of Britain.”
For his part, Robinson has described his visit as a “fact-finding mission” amid what he claims is “a major propaganda campaign against the State of Israel and against Jews.” He denies that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and has stated plans to tour a Palestinian refugee camp and the occupied West Bank, which he referred to using the Israeli designation “Judea and Samaria” rather than its internationally recognized name.
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6 Comments
The long-standing custodianship of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Palestinian Muslim families is an interesting historical fact that Robinson appears to have overlooked. This arrangement has preserved access and neutrality at the site for generations.
Agreed. Erasing or misrepresenting this history does a disservice to the complex realities on the ground. A more nuanced, fact-based understanding is needed.
This episode highlights the importance of verifying information, especially around contentious religious and political issues. Responsible reporting and commentary should strive for accuracy and nuance, rather than sensationalism or misinformation.
This is a concerning situation. Tommy Robinson’s misleading claims about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are inflammatory and seem to spread disinformation. It’s important to respect the historical arrangements and protections that have allowed this sacred site to remain accessible for centuries.
It’s concerning to see how Robinson’s inflammatory rhetoric and false claims have sparked social media backlash. Spreading misinformation about sensitive religious and historical sites is irresponsible and risks heightening tensions.
While Robinson may have his own political agenda, the facts around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s custodianship and protection under Muslim rule are well-documented. Dismissing this history is misleading and does not contribute to constructive dialogue.