From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Police shut art show at leading East Jerusalem Palestinian theater, saying it backed terror
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Officers shuttered an art exhibition at a leading Palestinian theater in East Jerusalem last night, police announce.
The order affixed to the entrance of al-Hakawati Theater claims the planned exhibition aimed to “promote and support the activities of a terrorist organization,” without specifying which terror group.
The exhibition was an initiative of the “Jerusalem Ambassador” program for Palestinian young adults, which, in its own words, is meant to “promote community work with a youth vision” and prepare “highly skilled young people to be a true voice for Jerusalem and its people.” It is unclear what the exhibition would have showcased.
The order to nix the exhibition was signed by Deputy Commissioner Avshalom Peled, the newly minted commander of the Jerusalem District police. It is part of a sweeping operation meant to “strengthen sovereignty” in East Jerusalem, police say.
The operation, dubbed “Shield of the Capital,” was announced shortly after Peled, an ally of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, took over as district commander from Amir Arzani, amid reports the minister had grown frustrated with Arzani over his refusal to implement his policies on the Temple Mount.
On Thursday evening, police shut down a screening of “Palestine 36” — a historical drama that deals with the 1936-39 Arab revolt — at the Yabous Center, another cultural institution in East Jerusalem.
The Times of Israel Community.