Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned ultra-Orthodox Jews who have been spitting at Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. A video of them spitting on the ground beside a procession of foreign worshippers carrying a wooden cross in the old city of Jerusalem has sparked outrage in Israel.
The incident took place during the Feast of Tabernacles which draws thousands of believers to Israel from around the world. Police have since arrested five suspects and formed a special investigative team to deal with growing complaints of hostile gestures against Christians.
Mr. Netanyahu vowed: “We will show zero tolerance against those who harm worshippers. We will take urgent steps against such actions. Offensive behaviour towards worshippers 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.”
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. 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.”
Read the article by Tony Davenport on Vision Christian Media.