According to a representative of the Middle East desk at the National Council of Churches in New York, relations between Muslims and Christians in Nazareth have been generally good for a long time, especially because members of both these communities are of Palestinian origin (19 Nov. 1992). Although acknowledging that there may be some tensions during the Muslim Ramadan, the representative added that these were not of major importance (Ibid.). A representative of Middle East Watch in New York reported that Palestinian Christians in Nazareth have been subject to harassment by the Jewish residents and the Israeli government (19 Nov. 1992). A professor of Middle Eastern studies at the University of Villanova added that the Jewish residents of Nazareth live in the upper part of the city and benefit from better government services (education, public works, etc.) than the Palestinian (i.e., Christian or Muslim) residents (19 Nov. 1992). For this reason, the upper part of the city provides a better quality of life than the rest of the town and is very likely to attract other residents (Ibid.). The harassment may come from situations where Palestinians try to take residence in the upper part of the city, something not likely to be accepted by the Jewish residents (Ibid.).

Middle East Watch, New York. 19 November 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.

National Council of Churches, Middle East desk. 19 November 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.

University of Villanova, Pensylvania. 19 November 1992. Telephone Interview with Professor.