Police and organizers have come to an agreement on holding a smaller, more coronavirus-friendly Jerusalem Day march on Thursday.
The day is usually marked by a right-wing march through the Old City’s Muslim Quarter ending at the Western Wall, and has in the past been blamed for increased tensions between Jews and Arabs.
According to the agreement, instead of a march through the Old City’s narrow warren of streets, 700 people will be allowed to form a human chain around many of the Old City gates.
Young national-religious men take part in the Jerusalem Day Flag Dance at the Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem on May 13, 2018. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)
In addition, a car caravan will drive around Jerusalem and circle the Old City. The events will culminate in a ceremony at the Western Wall attended by 450 people who register in advance.
Organizers had sought permission for a 3,000 person human chain, with two meters between links, stretching from the center of western Jerusalem through the Old City.
The agreement comes after a High Court hearing on the matter.
Jerusalem Day marks the anniversary of Israel’s capture of the eastern half of the city from Jordan in 1967.
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