'Israel' infringes on religious freedom, prevents Christian feast
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Another crime to be added to the long Israeli record of human rights violations and infringement on religious sanctities in occupied Palestine.
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Israeli police ban Christians from participating in the 'Holy Fire' ceremony, on May 1, 2021. (Reuters)
The Israeli police said on Tuesday that it had banned the Christian holiday of the transfiguration of Jesus on "Mount Tabor" in Lower Al-Jalil, citing security concerns as a pretext to "justify" their infringement on religious freedoms.
"The commander of the northern police district … issued an order to ban the mass religious event feast of the transfiguration [of Jesus], scheduled for Saturday, August 20, on the top of Mount Tabor," the police said.
The Israeli occupation police justified their actions by accusing "various authorities" of failing to meet the necessary conditions for the safety of visitors.
The Jewish National Fund, the fire department, the ambulance service, and the administration of the country's parks and reserves all supported the decision to cancel the holiday.
It is worth noting that the transfiguration of Jesus is considered one of the most important Christian holidays. Celebrations are held annually on "Mount Tabor" and up to 10,000 Christians take part in the events.
Israeli brutality against Christians is not new to the entity. Earlier this year, Al Mayadeen correspondent in occupied Al-Quds reported that the occupation forces prevented Christians from freely reaching the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, adding that one of the priests was attacked by the IOF while on his way to the church.
#شاهد الأجواء في #كنيسة_القيامة بمدينة #القدس pic.twitter.com/SY9VT3L3sn
— Mohammed Sadeq (@sadeqpress) April 23, 2022
Last year, 350 Gazan Christians applied for permits to celebrate Christmas in the holy cities of occupied Al-Quds and occupied Beit Lehm, yet did not receive any response. In parallel, 80 had their permits flatly rejected by Israeli authorities - for no reason - according to the director of Public Relations at the Orthodox Church in Palestine, Kamel Ayyad.
Christmas is no different from any other day of the year in occupied #Palestine.#Christmas #SantaClaus pic.twitter.com/RtFjO6voKr
— Laila Palestinian girl (@LailaPalestini1) December 25, 2020
