Far-Right March in Jerusalem Sparks Violence Against Palestinians Amid Celebration

In a troubling incident, far-right marchers targeting Palestinians erupted in violence while commemorating Jerusalem Day, highlighting deep-rooted tensions in the region.

On Monday, thousands of far-right Israelis participated in a march through Jerusalem in celebration of Jerusalem Day, which marks the capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The event quickly took a dark turn as ultranationalist groups began chanting alarming slogans like “death to Arabs,” while violence erupted against Palestinians in the Old City.

Witnesses reported disturbing scenes whereby aggressive marchers hurled insults and threats at Arab traders in the Muslim Quarter, with chants of “May your village burn” permeating the air. Right-wing activists bore banners asserting their dominance with slogans like “67 - Jerusalem in our hands; 2025 - Gaza in our hands.” As tempers flared, Israeli police intervened to quell the chaos, detaining several activists for their violent behavior.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the atmosphere of hostility, labeling the event a sordid celebration of “hatred and racism.” He emphasized that such actions were a disgrace to Judaism and called for unity among all faiths within the city. Fellow opposition member Yair Golan echoed this sentiment, denouncing the violence and asserting that Jerusalem should be a shared city for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir fueled the tension by addressing the crowd and calling for extreme measures against perceived "terrorists". His visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a highly sensitive religious site, further inflamed the situation. Palestinian officials condemned his presence, stating that such provocations threaten the regional stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed during a cabinet meeting that Jerusalem must remain unified under Israeli control. This Jerusalem Day observance coincided with Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, escalating the tension surrounding the event even further. Tragically, the military campaign against Hamas commenced after a brutal attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people.

As the violence in Gaza continues with devastating consequences, this year's Jerusalem Day highlights not only the historical and cultural complexities of the city but also the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation among its people.