Israeli court allows Jerusalem Day parade through Muslim quarter

High Court says any participants shouting racist slogans would be arrested by police

An Israeli court rejected “with a heavy heart” a petition filed against the selected route of the Jerusalem Day parade, set to pass through the Old City’s Muslim quarter.

However, the High Court of Justice declared that any participants shouting racist slogans would be arrested by the police.

Justice Elyakim Rubinstein said the decision was made “with a heavy heart”, adding he had a hard time viewing the videos sent along with the petition that documented racism during the parades in previous years. The justices added that there "was no information provided about indictments issued in the past, and it was promised that enforcement efforts will be stepped up."



A Muslim woman passes through as revelers crowd the Old City, Jerusalem. PHOTO: AFP

 

The petition was filed by attorney Itay Mack on behalf of Ir Amim, and Tag Meir, a coalition of organisations combating racism. The petition was aimed at the Police who authorised the march to pass through the Muslim quarter despite the fact that the parade disrupts the lives of the residents. In recent years, the parade has come to be associated with acts of racism and violence against Arabs, as well as damage to property by the marchers.

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Justice Isaac Amit said during the petition hearing that the "time has come for zero tolerance for 'death to Arabs' chants, a slogan that has flown under the radar. Zero tolerance, including detainment, arrest and indictment." Justice Rubinstein added that those who chant death to Arabs can do so "behind bars." Justice Amit also recommended the parade organisers to call on rabbis to instruct their followers that shouting "death to Arabs" is an affront against God, and will result in expulsion for yeshiva students.



Jerusalem, Old City Muslim Quarter. PHOTO: REUTERS

Jerusalem district police commander Maj Gen Moshe Adery was invited to the hearing and said that the police intend to document participants shouting racist slogans, arrest them and indict them as necessary. "There will be balance in terms of freedom of movement," said Adery, adding, "We will document, photograph, make arrests and hand files over to prosecutors. We denounce any and all racism and incitement, and are investing vast resources to ensure that the procession goes on peacefully.”

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"The respondents have found an unprecedented method here," said Mack during the hearing. "Not to let people return to their homes. They are aware of the legal problems, and in the past, the police have opposed the parade route through the Muslim Quarter and agreed only after a campaign that claimed the Israel Police were dividing Jerusalem. The recommendations made to merchants their close their shops are familiar to us from similar recommendations made in American movies – it's an offer they can't refuse. They're told that they're responsible for the consequences if they don't close their shops."

The article originally appeared on Haaretz