This morning, Jerusalem District police arrested five suspects (four adults and a minor) on suspicion of spitting towards Christians or entrances of churches in the Old City of Jerusalem. One of them was arrested after being identified in connection with an incident that occurred earlier this week, while the other four were apprehended for incidents that occurred this morning, in which one of the suspects allegedly spat towards a church worker. All the suspects were taken for questioning in the David District. Three of the suspects arrested by the police were identified this morning by surveillance personnel from the David District control center.
The commander of the Jerusalem District, Superintendent Doron Turgeman, addressed the phenomenon of spitting towards Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem during a situation assessment held yesterday. He stated, "We will not tolerate hate crimes against anyone, Jews, Muslims, or Christians in the Old City and any other place in Jerusalem."
"Violence and hatred towards others take on various forms and faces. Unfortunately, we continue to witness the disgraceful and ugly phenomenon of hate crimes against Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem, primarily through spitting on the ground as they pass by, by extremists. Those who engage in such behavior have a serious problem, primarily in their education, worldview, and respect for others.
"We condemn this ugly phenomenon that harms the unique fabric of life that has existed in this area for many years, which includes visitors, worshipers and travelers of all religions - Jews, Muslims and Christians, side by side."