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Video Shows Flag March Participant Spitting on Virgin Mary Statue in Jerusalem

Church leaders say the act reflects a pattern of harassment of Christians in the Old City.

Overview

  • The Flag March through Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday included a filmed act of spitting on a Virgin Mary statue near the New Gate.
  • Forum dei Cristiani di Terra Santa coordinator Wadie Abunassar posted the video and called for accountability through re-education.
  • Police deployed thousands of officers and reported roughly a dozen arrests tied to violence during the march.
  • Volunteers from the Israeli‑Palestinian group Standing Together escorted nuns as many Old City shops shut their doors for safety.
  • The annual Flag March marks Israel’s 1967 takeover of East Jerusalem and often crosses Muslim and Christian areas that see frequent tension.