Palestinian Cemeteries Vandalized

The inhabitants of the Israeli city of Jaffa were outraged after Christian and Muslim cemeteries there were vandalized by an extremist Jewish group, days after the arson of a mosque in the village of Tuba, Galilee.

The Palestinians inside the Green Line say that it is official Israeli policy to encourage hostility against Arabs, the result of what they say are racist laws enacted by the Israeli parliament, which is controlled by right-wing parties.

“The situation is not serene; there are clear and declared intentions for Hakhams, who are provoking the Israelis because they do not want Arab people on this land,” said Sheikh Zaid Satal a former President of the Islamic committee in Jaffa.

Father Constantine Nassar a priest of the Greek Orthodox Parish in Jaffa said “Jaffa is living in a constant ever-lasting conflict, and what happened in the cemeteries is nothing but a criminal act.”

Ron Khaldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv / Jaffa realeased a statement saying “We have gone through more dangerous events, and I am confident that Arab leaders in Jaffa are mature enough to contain the situation. I am ashamed as a Jew about what has happened.”


Translated by: Sarah Sfeir
Original Arabic report: Ziad Halabi
Voice: Nadia Idriss Mayen