"Scholars Criticize Claims of Jesus as Palestinian, Emphasize Jewish Context"

Historian Paula Fredriksen rebukes liberal figures for portraying Jesus as a Palestinian, arguing that it is historically false and inflammatory. She points out that Bethlehem has been under Palestinian rule since 1995 and that modern-day Gaza is hostile to Christians. Fredriksen criticizes the attempt to appropriate Jesus as a Palestinian to attack Israel, stating that it rips Jesus out of his Jewish context and perpetuates hate against Jews. She also refutes claims made by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Catholic priest Father Edward Beck, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy and context in discussions about Jesus and the Holy Land.