Jerusalem Day 'Dance of Flags' parade route dangerous - police chief

"The passage of the parade in sensitive areas, when all warnings relate to a possible flare-up... would be irresponsible."

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israel Police face protesters fighting against the construction of the light rail in Jerusalem, January 25, 2021. (photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel Police face protesters fighting against the construction of the light rail in Jerusalem, January 25, 2021.
(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel Police's Jerusalem District Chief Doron Turgeman implored that the annual "Dance of Flags" parade through the Old City on Jerusalem Day be re-routed amid the ongoing violence between Arabs and Jews throughout the city.
Relations between Palestinians and Jews in Jerusalem have been tense, with violent demonstrations near the Damascus Gate occurring almost nightly, and other violent clashes breaking out across the city.
The parade normally enters the Old City through the Damascus Gate and passes through the Muslim quarter. In past years, Israel has heightened police security on Jerusalem Day, as the parade has been known to instigate violence. 
"The passage of the parade in these two sensitive areas in the last week of Ramadan fasting, when all warnings relate to a possible flare-up due to events related to Jerusalem would be irresponsible and could claim human lives," Turgeman warned. 
He indicated that the parade could also incite "a violent outbreak in Judea and Samaria and Gaza." 


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