Ultranationalist Jewish participants in the annual Jerusalem Day march chanted racist slogans as they paraded through the Old City on Thursday, sparking outrage and raising concerns about rising extremism. The march, which commemorates Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, drew thousands of mostly religious and nationalist Israelis waving flags and singing.
Incidents During the March
Witnesses reported that some marchers shouted anti-Arab epithets, including “Death to Arabs,” and taunted Palestinian residents. Videos circulating on social media showed groups of young men chanting provocative slogans near Damascus Gate, a main entrance to the Old City. Police made several arrests for incitement and disorderly conduct.
Official Reactions
Israeli Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the racist chants, stating, “Such behavior is unacceptable and does not represent Israeli values.” Opposition leader Pierre Smith called for a thorough investigation. Palestinian officials denounced the march as a provocation, accusing the Israeli government of allowing extremists to escalate tensions.
The Jerusalem Day march has historically been a flashpoint for violence. This year, the event coincided with heightened security concerns following recent clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. International observers, including the United Nations, urged restraint and respect for the status quo at holy sites.
Human rights groups criticized the Israeli police for not preventing the racist slogans. “The authorities must take a zero-tolerance approach to hate speech,” said a spokesperson for Peace Now. The incident threatens to further strain relations between Jewish and Arab communities in Jerusalem and across the region.
