Jerusalem Day 2025: A March of Hate, or a Campaign of Cleansing?

Jerusalem Day March 2025: Hate Speech and Violence Mark Annual Event Jerusalem, May 30, 2025 – The annual Jerusalem Day flag march, a highly charged event celebrating Israel's control over the Old City, descended into new depths of depravity this year. According to reports, Israeli youths flooded the Muslim Quarter, chanting "death to Arabs," "burn their villages," and "flatten Gaza." Flagpoles were slammed against ancient doors, and marchers cursed the Prophet Muhammad and mocked the memory of Palestine. Notably, no arrests were made for incitement. Soumaya Ghannoushi, a writer and expert in Middle East politics, stated, "Jerusalem is being remade in the image of supremacy, not only against Muslims, but against Christians too." She highlighted the systematic targeting of Christians, including instances of vandalism and the barring of worshippers from holy services. The event's funding by the Jerusalem Municipality, without a public tender, further underscores the state-sanctioned nature of the hate. Ghannoushi's analysis draws a parallel to the Crusades, emphasizing that this isn't merely an outburst, but a calculated campaign of ethnic cleansing. Despite the disturbing events, Ghannoushi expresses hope for a future Jerusalem where coexistence prevails, echoing the historical example of Caliph Umar's respectful approach to the city's Christian leaders. This hope serves as a powerful counterpoint to the march's hateful displays.