JERUSALEM (OSV News): On May 18, religious leaders united Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze in a peace march through Jerusalem, holding placards for “justice”, “trust”, and “peace”. The march followed recent clashes, where Israeli ultra-nationalists chanting racist slogans confronted Palestinian residents in the Old City during the annual Jerusalem Day Flag Parade.
Now in its fourth year, the interfaith event—organised by the Forum for Human Rights—offers a peaceful alternative to the increasingly violent Flag March, where young settlers, under heavy police presence, harass Palestinian residents who have not shuttered their shops or stayed at home.
There have also been attacks on journalists and Israeli left-wing activists supporting Palestinian residents.
Jerusalem Day marks the 1967 reunification, when East Jerusalem was brought under Israeli control, uniting it with the west of the city.
“We march this evening out of a deep commitment to the sanctity of life—of every human life—and to the ability to see an entire world within every woman, man, and child,” said Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, co-chairperson of the Board of Rabbis for Human Rights, at the YMCA opening ceremony.
“Precisely in these days when it is so easy to become accustomed to pain, to fear and to the language that divides us, we seek to remind ourselves and those around us that life precedes every conflict, and that preserving our humanity is a spiritual, moral and courageous act.”
We march this evening out of a deep commitment to the sanctity of life—of every human life—and to the ability to see an entire world within every woman, man, and child
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Nuns, priests, rabbis, young people, families, and ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered at the YMCA, where Christian resident Nadeen Fanous sang a prayer for God’s mercy in Aramaic.
“Being here as part of a movement of love and friendship helps us leave behind hate and division. We must build a common vision,” Fanous said.
Sister Monica Dullmann, a German Sister of St. Joseph of the Apparition who has lived in Jerusalem for decades, said she was pleased to see so many marching for peace, friendship, and trust.
She said, “I believe in peace and justice, and it is nice to be together with others who feel the same way and together we will be stronger. I have always believed peace is possible and I still believe it.”
Lilach Friedland, 37, from Jerusalem, said the 14 May Flag Parade was “sad and racist”, but at the YMCA she found “buds of peace” and hope.
Avraham and Shlomit Kelman, Orthodox Jews, brought their sons to show them that a shared life in Jerusalem is possible.
We are all upset about what is happening in the country and all the violence that is happening, so we are here in solidarity with other people of different religions and nationalities. It is exciting to be in a place where we can publicly march together and show our solidarity,
Avraham Kelman
“We are all upset about what is happening in the country and all the violence that is happening, so we are here in solidarity with other people of different religions and nationalities. It is exciting to be in a place where we can publicly march together and show our solidarity,” said Avraham. “It is the contradiction of Jerusalem. There is so much love and hatred [at the same time], but it shows there can be another way that can bring people together and celebrate our differences.”
Nadia Attallah, 62, a Druze activist from northern Israel, joined the interfaith march to promote religious peace and draw attention to the 2025 massacre of Syrian Druze by Bedouin militia in Suwayda.
“Peace is the only way,” she said.
Israeli shopkeepers congratulated marchers, and cars honked in support as the group walked from the YMCA to Jaffa Gate.
Father Piotr Zelazko, a Polish priest and patriarchal vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics, said the march is part of his identity. He led his choir in “We Shall Overcome” at Jaffa Gate.
“If we stop praying for peace, there will be no peace,” he said. “When religions walk together, peace will walk with them. Some people say Middle Eastern religions cause the problems; I would rather seek the solution in loving God and loving each other. When you get to know other people—when you see the other—you are no longer strangers.”
He said, “We want to end this. This initiative is a little step to finish the conflict.”
