Israel Deports Father Nadino Capovilla

Khader El-Yateem

OUTRAGEOUS: Israel Deports Father Nadino Capovilla

Once again, the Israeli government reveals its fear — not of violence, but of truth. Father Nadino Capovilla, a globally respected priest from Venice, a man of peace and justice, has been denied entry into the Holy Land. Detained for hours at Tel Aviv airport and ultimately deported on vague claims of “national security,” his only real “threat” was his unwavering commitment to human rights, justice, healing, and reconciliation.

Father Nadino traveled with Pax Christi, a delegation seeking dialogue and solidarity with communities impacted by war and occupation. His crime? Standing with the oppressed. Speaking truth. Advocating for peace.

Let’s be honest: this was not about security. This was about silencing a voice that exposes the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the apartheid policies, the daily humiliation of Palestinians, and the escalating violence against the Christian and Muslim communities alike.

Israel, which calls itself “the only democracy in the Middle East,” is clearly terrified of those who carry a message of justice. If a respected Italian priest had been treated this way by any other country, our governments and media would be up in arms. But when Israel acts, there is silence — even when priests are spat on in the streets of Jerusalem.

We must name it. This is not democracy. This is repression. This is apartheid. This is genocide.

From Palestine, and from all corners of the world that still believe in dignity and human rights, I stand in full solidarity with Father Nadino Capovilla. May his message grow louder in the face of those who try to silence him.