President Herzog delivering his opening address to the ICEJ event

Israeli Leaders Unite to Condemn Religious Intolerance in Jerusalem's Old City

Details
Jay Engelmayer
News

In a strong and unambiguous response to an alarming video that recently emerged, showing religious Jews spitting at Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog reassured the global Christian community of Israel's unwavering commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.

Addressing the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem during their Feast of Tabernacles celebration on Tuesday evening, Herzog stated, "The State of Israel is staunchly committed to preserving the freedom of religion and worship. We will remain steadfast in protecting the diverse religious communities that contribute to the rich, multi-faceted human tapestry of our nation. Every religious site, leader, and individual will be safeguarded from any despicable acts of hatred or intolerance."

He further emphasized, "This commitment is intrinsic to our identity as a Jewish and democratic state. It's a commitment we will never waver from."

Herzog's words were echoed by a chorus of Israeli leaders who have expressed their unequivocal disapproval of the conduct depicted in the video. Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to Twitter to voice his disdain: "Derogatory conduct toward worshippers is an affront to sanctity and is utterly unacceptable. No form of hostility against individuals engaged in religious observance will be tolerated."

Netanyahu further stressed, "Israel is irrevocably committed to safeguarding the sacrosanct right to worship and pilgrimage for adherents of all faiths. I forcefully denounce any attempts to intimidate worshippers and pledge to take swift and decisive action against such acts."

Israel's Chief Rabbi, David Lau, issued his own response: "During the festival of Sukkot, Jews prayed and offered sacrifices in the Holy Temple for the well-being of all 70 nations of the world. We shall continue this tradition, praying for their prosperity and respecting all nations that honor the holy city of Jerusalem. Any improper conduct should categorically not be associated with Jewish law."

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, vehemently condemned the act: "I emphatically denounce violence against believers in the Old City, as well as any other forms of aggression. I urge leaders of all faiths to exert every effort in preserving the fragile and intricate tapestry that constitutes the Old City, in homage to our respective faiths and to the sanctity of Jerusalem."

Michael Malchieli, the Religious Affairs Minister, expressed his own disdain: "The phenomenon of spitting at Christians in Jerusalem is contrary to the teachings of the Torah. No credible Rabbi condones such reprehensible behavior. It is our moral obligation to denounce it unequivocally."

Yehuda Vald, CEO of the Religious Zionism Party, criticized the perpetrators, saying, "Such uncivil and unnecessary aggression is antithetical to the teachings of Rabbi Kook. Anyone using Rabbi Kook's name to justify these actions should genuinely study his teachings and those of his disciples, like Rabbi Shlomo Aviner."

Simultaneously, as the Feast of Tabernacles event proceeded, a group of approximately 20 individuals gathered outside the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Disturbingly, they chanted, "Christians out - Jews, do not enter the event." Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel was among several Israeli representatives who attended the event, which hosted roughly 3,000 Christian delegates from 80 countries worldwide.

This unfortunate incident occurred just a day after the video circulated online, showing Jews spitting at Christian pilgrims observing the Feast of Tabernacles in the Old City. The collective response from Israel's leadership underscores the nation's dedication to upholding religious freedom and fostering an environment of mutual respect among different faiths.

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