Israeli Nationalists’ Jerusalem March: Chants of “Death to Arabs” Spark Outrage
The annual Jerusalem Day march, celebrating Israel’s 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, again saw ultranationalist Israeli Jews chanting anti-Arab slogans and engaging in provocative behavior within Muslim neighborhoods. Palestinian shopkeepers closed early to avoid the often-violent procession, while police presence was significant, though some officers were seen celebrating alongside marchers. The event, occurring amidst heightened tensions following a prolonged Gaza conflict, included a separate incident where Israeli protesters, including a member of parliament, stormed a UNRWA compound. Prime Minister Netanyahu, meanwhile, reiterated Israel’s claim to a united Jerusalem.
John Q. Hosedrinker