We share from Tag Meir’s Facebook page a report on this important initiative. Founded in 2011, it is the largest grassroots coalition of organisations that work against hate crime and religious racism in Israel.
On May 14 we distributed 3,600 flowers to the shopkeepers and residents of the Old City who suffer each year from the nationalist and inflammatory march that passes through their streets on Jerusalem Day.
Activists entered the Old City through four gates: Jaffa Gate, the New Gate, Damascus Gate, and Herod’s Gate. Together with each flower, we handed out a leaflet in three languages explaining the purpose of the Flower March — that the nationalist and violent chants heard on this day do not represent Judaism or Israeli society, and that we cannot stand by while such acts are carried out in our name.
It was painful to see that many businesses did not open at all today. We left flowers and flyers on their locked doors. With other merchants, we had time to speak and explain that we believe peace will come through respect for others and the promotion of shared society and coexistence.
From time to time, groups of youths carrying flags passed through the alleys singing racist songs with shouting and provocation.
Activists came from all across Israel, including the eldest of the activists, Hanania Globman, over ninety years old, who traveled from Tel Aviv by public transportation. Also joining were Gabriela, a 5th-grade student from Modi’in, Benjy, a 5th-grade student from Jerusalem, and our youngest participant, Hillel, a 1st-grade student. Respect to all of them.
We hope we brought hope and light to the Arab, Muslim, and Christian residents and merchants of the Old City.
Photos: Yossi Zamir, https://www.facebook.com/tagmeirisrael
