Thousands Chant ‘Death to Arabs’ at Jerusalem Flag March

Jerusalem, May 2025 — A major nationalist event meant to commemorate Israel’s control of East Jerusalem took a dark turn this year as thousands of participants were filmed chanting racist and inflammatory slogans, including “Death to Arabs,” during the annual Jerusalem Day flag march. The incident drew swift condemnation from Palestinians, human rights organizations, and foreign governments.

What Is Jerusalem Day?

Jerusalem Day marks Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War. The day is celebrated by many Israelis as a unification of the city and a historic victory. Each year, a massive procession known as the “flag march” travels through central parts of Jerusalem, including the highly sensitive Old City.

This year, over 50,000 people, mostly nationalist and religious Jews, participated in the march, waving Israeli flags and singing patriotic songs. The route once again included Palestinian-populated areas, including the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, intensifying tensions.

Racist Slogans and Hate Speech

Numerous video recordings from the march show large groups of demonstrators chanting explicitly racist and violent slogans, including:

  • “Death to Arabs”
  • “May your village burn”
  • “A second Nakba is coming”

Many of the chants came from young participants, some of whom were affiliated with extremist settler groups. Eyewitnesses, journalists, and NGO observers noted that hate speech was not isolated to fringe elements—it was widespread, loud, and persistent.

While Israeli police were present in large numbers, they were criticized for not stopping the incitement. A small number of arrests were reported, but rights groups say these were insufficient given the scale of hate speech.

Palestinian and International Reaction

The Palestinian Authority condemned the march as a “racist and provocative display that incites violence and undermines peace.” Hamas also issued statements warning that such acts could trigger further escalation.

In East Jerusalem, where many Palestinians live under occupation and face displacement, the flag march is viewed as a direct assault on their identity and presence. Residents reported feeling threatened and intimidated by the chants and the aggressive behavior of some marchers.

Several international bodies weighed in:

  • Human Rights Watch called it “a shameful display of ethnic incitement.”
  • The European Union urged Israeli authorities to act against hate speech.
  • The United Nations expressed concern over rising intolerance and violence in Jerusalem.

Israeli Government and Political Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the flag march as a “celebration of Jewish unity and Jerusalem’s eternal capital,” but refrained from addressing the hate chants directly.

Far-right politicians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, were seen participating in the march. Ben-Gvir defended the event, calling it a “joyous expression of Jewish sovereignty,” and dismissed criticism as politically motivated.

However, opposition leaders and civil rights organizations voiced alarm. Merav Michaeli, of the Labor Party, stated:

“This is not patriotism. This is open racism. We are normalizing hate.”

Israeli NGOs, including Breaking the Silence and B’Tselem, warned that such unchecked displays of hatred could further radicalize both Israeli and Palestinian youth.

Jerusalem: A City of Conflict

At the heart of the issue is Jerusalem itself—a city claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. While Israel considers all of Jerusalem its capital, Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the future capital of a sovereign Palestinian state.

The flag march has become symbolic of this conflict. For many Palestinians, it represents not just a celebration of Israeli sovereignty, but a deliberate assertion of dominance and exclusion. The route through Muslim neighborhoods is particularly controversial, as it is seen as a form of intimidation.

Rising Tensions and Shrinking Hope

This year’s Jerusalem Day march has highlighted a troubling rise in nationalism and hate speech within Israeli society. The chants of “Death to Arabs” are not merely slogans; they are manifestations of a deeper polarization that threatens the prospects of peace and coexistence.

Unless Israeli authorities take meaningful steps to address racism and incitement, events like the flag march will only deepen the divide between the two peoples. As tensions continue to simmer, both sides—and the international community—face a critical question: How much longer can hate be allowed to march unchecked through the streets of Jerusalem?