Ultra-Orthodox Jews seen spitting on Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) – A video of ultra-Orthodox Jews spitting in the direction of Christian pilgrims near a church in occupied East Jerusalem is drawing outrage, but not from all quarters.

The video circulated by activists on social media shows Israelis wearing Jewish religious clothing intentionally spitting at Christian pilgrims near an ancient church in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The incident emerged as thousands of Jewish settlers continued to celebrate the weeklong holiday of Sukkot, which will end on Friday.

Several incidents of Jews spitting on Christians and Christian sites were reported in recent days, prompting the Israeli government to condemn the act.

On Wednesday, Israeli police said they arrested several people suspected of spitting at Christian pilgrims.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said his government is "totally committed to safeguarding the sacred right of worship and pilgrimage to the holy sites of all faiths."

However, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir downplayed the behavior, saying it did not amount to a "criminal act," according to the Times of Israel newspaper.

On Tuesday, Youssef Daher, coordinator of the World Council of Churches in Jerusalem, said Christians face “persecution” by Israeli extremist groups amid government inaction.

"We feel persecution against our community and religion,” Daher told Anadolu.East Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967, is home to several historic and holy sites for Christians, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar