JERUSALEM (VINnews) — In a city like Jerusalem where three religions live in uncomfortably close quarters, there is always the possibility of tensions flaring over relationships between them. In recent years, many Jews in Jerusalem are accustomed to spitting upon seeing a Christian priest wearing a cross or upon passing churches. The phenomenon has been documented and criticized in the past, but has regained public attention after an unfortunate response to a situation which occurred on Chol Hamoed.
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The following clip shows a group of charedim walking through the Muslim quarter and passing near a church just as a group of Christian worshipers were carrying a huge cross out of the building. Several of the Jews reacted by spitting on the ground, expressing their revulsion at the sight of the cross which represents a religion which has violently and cruelly suppressed Judaism for 2000 years. However the clip was spread on social media, prompting severe criticism of the Jews spitting and claims that such actions harm Israel’s image and tourist attractivity.
תיעוד: חרדים יורקים על צליינים שסיירו אתמול ברובע המוסלמי בעיר העתיקה בירושלים@HGoldich (צילום: הקו החם) pic.twitter.com/n1HBVXjpXx
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) October 3, 2023
Charedim spit as Christians walk by with cross. Note front person carrying the cross holding his phone, apparently waiting to document spitting as he exits
One reaction incensed many responders. Elisha Yered, former aide to MK Limor Son Har-Melech (Jewish Force) said that spitting near churches and Christian symbols in an “ancient Jewish custom” and that there is a special blessing to be recited near a church praising Hashem for “showing fortitude to those who disobey his will.”
Tourism minister Chaim Katz sharply condemned Yered’s statement,stating that “the statement that spitting on Christians is an old and respected custom is disgraceful. Loving one’s friend as onesself is a major rule in the Torah. Instead of being a light unto the nations, the actions of a small extremist group arouse hatred of Judaism and the Jewish people, harm Israel’s image and harm tourism. We must show no tolerance for harming religious symbols, whatever they may be.”
Others also condemned the spitters, calling them “messianic pyromaniacs”. Political pundit Amit Segal called Yered “an ignoramus”. Chief Rabbi David Lau also condemned the spitters and the attempt to relate their actions to halacha, adding that “On Sukkot we would bring 70 sacrifices for the welfare all the gentile nations, and we will continue to pray for them.
Religious Affairs Minister Michael Malkieli said that “I strongly condemn the notion of spitting towards Christians in Jerusalem. This is not the way of the Torah and there is no rabbi who supports or who gives legitimacy to such derogatory behavior. We must denounce this and continue to respect all the nations who come to the gates of the holy city.”
Aguda head Yitzchak Goldknopf said that “I was astonished to hear of the shocking phenomenon of attacks in the name of Judaism. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peaceful.” Our holy Torah commands us to respect all people, not matter their faith, religion or ancestry. We must ensure that the honor of Heaven grows through us and not the opposite. I condemn this worthless behavior.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu wrote on his Twitter account that “Israel is totally committed to safeguard the sacred right of worship and pilgrimage to the holy sites of all faiths.
“I strongly condemn any attempt to intimidate worshippers, and I am committed to taking immediate and decisive action against it.”
It’s disgusting, undignified and makes the frum look like uncivilized backwards people. Say a pasuk to yourself
Spitting at non-Jews is an excellent way to increase anti-Semitism.
Because Jews do not have enough enemies.
This behavior is an unnecessary provocation.
Where were all you when the church was burning Jews at the stake?
I think it is blown out of proportion. Yes, they spit on the ground, so the Jews are very critical of themselves, but what about the almost daily Arabs throwing rocks at Jews? No one seems to get bent out of shape over it.
Always remember the Catholics always back the terrorists.
Hey VIN, you are no better than that demented animal who spits at churches, why would you publicize it, when you fully well know that thousands of nonjews would be reading it.
I see the moderators are full of themselves. What’s the point of having, “Please report Lashon Harah,” if all the moderators are doing, is provoking it
Is there a way to report an article, not just a comment. Not sure why this article was published so publicly????
The phenomenon of spitting was against idols, symbols but not against people.
And aggressive missionaries should stop their so called “saving” campaign in very-relogious neighborhoods. They should be sensitive to a 2,000 persecuted (besieged) people …
All people who get bent out of shape by what ONE, perhaps misguided, individual did, where’s your outcry when hundreds or thousands of people violate kedushas eretz yisroel regularly!???
I feel like spitting just reading this antisemitic article written by self-haters.
Sorry, not sorry, but I get more bent out of shape when a certain sect amongst us spits on the floor of a shul or beis medrash during Aleinu.
The act of spitting on the Christians carrying that object was deplorable. It was a stupid kid doing a stupid thing taught by a stupid parent.
How about being matil eivah of the goyim against the yidden? Maybe this guy is like a moiser and should be killed.
Also the word “reik” in oileinu (not “rik” as the am ho’oretz said)—oleinu was written by yehoshua so obviously doesn’t refer to oso ho’ish.