‘Brutality shown to Palestinian worshippers’ condemned by Jewish group
Officials say Jerusalem Day marchers cannot enter holy site following more clashes in the Old City overnight
The Jewish Labour Movement has joined politicians and countries around the world in criticising the treatment of Palestinian worshippers on the Temple Mount over the weekend.
Over 300 Palestinians and dozens of Israeli police officers have been wounded in clashes in the compound around the al-Aqsa mosque and across Jerusalem’s Old City.
The scenes of violence were some of the worse seen the city for months, with tensions escalating since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
There was also growing anger ahead of a court hearing to hear the planned eviction of Palestinians from buildings in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. Israeli settlers claim the land belongs to them.
Monday’s court hearing was suspended following an application by the Israeli government to delay it.
Israel also announced it would ban Jews from entering the Temple Mount on Monday ahead of a planned flag procession and march to mark Jerusalem Day.
In a statement over the weekend the JLM said it was “appalled by the brutality shown to Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan.
“The tensions in Israel have been heightened due to the threatened evictions of Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah.
“We are entirely opposed to efforts to expand settlements, demolish homes and evict Palestinians and will continue to work with all who promote peace, human rights, security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians.”
Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl said thoughts were with “those who have been injured and we pray that they should have a speedy recovery.
“We call on all concerned to de-escalate the situation and to refrain from inflammatory actions and rhetoric.
Our statement on the evictions in Sheikh Jarrah and the brutality towards Palestinian worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque. pic.twitter.com/m57T00Yvma
— Jewish Labour Movement (@JewishLabour) May 9, 2021
“The Holy City should be no place for extremism or violence, and should instead be a centre for peace and prayer. ”
The Labour MP Wayne David said the scenes of violence were “totally unacceptable”, adding: “The Israeli authorities must respect Places of Worship and abide by international law.”
The United States said it was extremely concerned by the uptick in violence over the weekend.
“There is no excuse for violence, but such bloodshed is especially disturbing now, coming as it does on the last days of Ramadan,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price added.
“This includes Friday’s attack on Israeli soldiers and reciprocal ‘price tag’ attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, which we condemn in no uncertain terms.”
Israel captured East Jerusalem in a 1967 war and subsequently annexed the whole city as its capital, but its claim is not internationally recognised.
Palestinians want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future state in Gaza and the West Bank.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
