ADL denounces ultra-Orthodox spitting at Christian clergymen

The ADL reached out to Chief Rabbis Amar and Metzger, asking them to condemn violent acts from their ultra-Orthodox constituents toward Christian clergy

12/12/2011 15:31

Tags: ADL · Ultra-Orthodox violence · Chief Rabbinate · Christianity in Israel

Ultra-Orthodox men pass by Christian Monks in Jerusalem's Old City. Credit Miriam Alister, Flash 90

The Anti-Defamation League reached out this week to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate to meet with their ultra-Orthodox constituents and "denounce the repulsive decades-old practice by ultra-Orthodox Jews of spitting at Christian clergymen they encounter in the street"

"This repulsive practice is a hateful act of persecution against another faith group and a desecration of God's name according to Jewish law," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "This display of hate and bigotry has no place in Israel and is inimical to Jewish values of treating all people with respect and kindness."

This display of hate and bigotry has no place in Israel and is inimical to Jewish values of treating all people with respect and kindness.

The ADL’s mission to fight not only anti-Semitism, but all racism and bigotry.

"The issue makes headlines every few years, and promises are made to combat it, but it continues every day," said Rabbi Eric J. Greenberg, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs. "We believe it is time for Israel's religious leaders to stand up for the Jewish values of treating others with respect and kindness, and to put an end to this ugly phenomenon."

See the ADL's full press release here