Orthodox Jews filmed spitting at Christians in Jerusalem's Old City

Michie · Oct 5, 2023

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "We will show zero tolerance against those who harm worshipers" • The incident occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles

A group of Orthodox Jews was filmed on Monday as they spat and shouted at Christian pilgrims carrying the Four Species through Jerusalem’s Old City.

The incident sparked public outcry, as it was not the first of its kind and took place on Sukkot – which Christians observe as the Feast of Tabernacles – drawing thousands of Christian pilgrims annually to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly condemned any attack on religious believers on Tuesday: “We will show zero tolerance against those who harm worshipers,” he said, stressing, “we will take urgent steps against such actions.

“Offensive behavior toward worshipers is a desecration and is unacceptable. Israel is fully committed to safeguarding the sacred right of freedom of worship and pilgrimage to the holy sites of all faiths,” he added.Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau condemned the incident, stressing that “such unacceptable behaviors should not be associated with Jewish religious law in any way.”

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen issued an equally stern statement: “I condemn the ugly act of spitting on Christians and harming any person due to their religion or beliefs. This phenomenon does not represent the values of Judaism.

“Freedom of religion and tolerance are fundamental values in Israel,” he continued. “Hundreds of thousands of Christian tourists visit the Holy Land yearly to explore the sacred places important to them and us. I call upon all Israeli citizens to respect the traditions and beliefs of all those who enter the gates of Jerusalem, the holy city.”

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