Israeli Nationalists Chant ‘Death to Arabs’ During Jerusalem Day March/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli nationalists marched through Muslim areas of Jerusalem chanting anti-Arab slogans. The event marks Jerusalem Day, celebrating Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem in 1967. Protesters stormed a UN compound as tensions flared over Jewish prayer at a contested holy site.
Jerusalem Tensions Quick Looks
- Event: Jerusalem Day March through Muslim neighborhoods
- Violence: Protesters chant “Death to Arabs,” harass Palestinians, storm UN compound
- Holy Site Visits: Far-right minister visits Al Aqsa/Temple Mount, claims Jews can now pray there
- Police Response: Detentions made; status quo on holy site reaffirmed by PM’s office
- UN Incident: Israeli protesters, including lawmaker, breach UNRWA compound gates
- Background: March coincides with 600 days of Israel-Hamas war; sparks fears of renewed conflict
Deep Look: Nationalist Chants, UN Breach Mark Controversial Jerusalem Day March
In a display that sharply divided public opinion and drew global attention, thousands of ultranationalist Israelis gathered Monday for Jerusalem Day, marching through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. The annual event, meant to commemorate Israel’s 1967 capture of east Jerusalem, erupted into hate-filled chants and confrontations, reigniting fears of unrest amid ongoing war in Gaza.
“Death to Arabs” Echoes Through Old City
Chants of “Death to Arabs” and “May your village burn” filled the ancient alleyways as nationalist marchers—many bused in from West Bank settlements—made their way through Jerusalem’s Muslim areas. Palestinian shopkeepers closed early as tensions mounted. Police stood guard, detaining several individuals and claiming efforts were made to prevent violence.
While the Israeli government officially frames the march as a celebration of unity, it has become dominated by right-wing activists and settlers in recent years, often spilling into harassment and hate speech targeting Palestinian residents.
At one point, a Jewish protester yelled “This is our home!” to a Palestinian woman, who retorted in Hebrew, “Go away from here!”
Flashpoint: Temple Mount/Al Aqsa
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir escalated tensions by visiting the Al Aqsa Mosque compound—known to Jews as the Temple Mount—flanked by far-right lawmakers and a rabbi. His appearance drew sharp criticism, particularly after he declared:
“Today, thank God, it is possible to pray on the Temple Mount.”
Such statements directly challenge a decades-old status quo barring Jewish prayer at the site, maintained to avoid igniting sectarian conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office insisted no policy change had occurred, but critics argue de facto shifts are already taking place.
Dozens of Jewish visitors reportedly entered the site Monday waving Israeli flags and offering prayers, further stoking Palestinian fears of religious encroachment.
Protesters Storm UN Compound
In a stunning breach of protocol, a group of nationalist protesters—including lawmaker Yulia Malinovsky—forced their way into the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem. They scaled the gate in full view of Israeli police, who did not intervene.
UNRWA West Bank coordinator Roland Friedrich confirmed the incident, stating it occurred despite the compound being legally protected under international law.
The compound has been largely empty since January due to safety concerns for UN staff amid growing hostility from Israeli leaders who accuse the agency of ties to Hamas—allegations the UN strongly denies.
A City at a Boiling Point
Jerusalem remains one of the most contested cities on Earth, a flashpoint where history, faith, and nationalism collide. For many Israelis, Jerusalem Day symbolizes the restoration of Jewish access to holy sites. For Palestinians, it represents the loss of their future capital and a yearly reminder of occupation and exclusion.
“The march is not just a celebration—it’s a provocation,” said a volunteer from Free Jerusalem, an organization that deployed peace observers to deescalate conflict.
The specter of past violence looms large. In 2021, this same march helped trigger an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas. Today, with war raging in Gaza for nearly 600 days, the march adds fuel to a smoldering conflict already marked by humanitarian catastrophe and political extremism.
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