Thursday morning's arson attack on a Greek Orthodox seminary on Mount Zion joins a long list of hate crimes by Jews against Christian and Muslim residents of the mount. Dozens of cases of violence have been registered over two years including arson and graffiti attacks, the smashing of gravestones and spitting at priests. In most cases, the police have made no arrests.
Last May, in the run-up to Pope Francis’ visit to the region, tensions on Mount Zion worsened amid rumors that the government would transfer control of David’s Tomb – a building whose upper floor is thought to be the location of the Last Supper – to the Vatican. Demonstrations were held at the site and there were calls for attacks on Christians living there.
In recent days, posters have reappeared calling for vigorous action against “the transfer of David’s Tomb to the Christians.”
“King David’s Tomb is in danger and you’re sleeping?” the posters say. “Prepare for a global battle that will shake the entire world. Now, in the run-up to the election, the left-wing parties have promised, with help from Christian foundations, to help transfer David’s Tomb to the Christians.”
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