Board of Deputies President reacts to tensions in Jerusalem

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has responded to the tensions in the city of Jerusalem, coinciding with Yom Yerushalayim.

She said:  “This Yom Yerushalayim, and as we approach the end of Ramadan, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing tensions in Jerusalem, the Gaza border and elsewhere. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured and we pray that they should have a speedy recovery. We call on all concerned to de-escalate the situation and to refrain from inflammatory actions and rhetoric. Decision-makers should act with empathy and compassion, and be guided by the simple but profound act of seeing each resident of Jerusalem as deserving of dignity. The Holy City should be no place for extremism or violence, and should instead be a centre for peace and prayer.