A City of Mercy, Not Mockery: Defending Human Dignity in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a city cherished for its holy ground and sacred heritage — yet even here, we are seeing disturbing behavior: intolerance, harassment, and outright aggression toward those who differ. Whether it's smartphone users, people of different faiths, or people of different lifestyles, the Embassy of Benevolence is committed to defending the dignity of every person.
What’s Happening in Our Streets?
Charedi hostility toward smartphones: Although concrete reports of pogrom-like steps (e.g., signs warning “we will take your smartphone”) are localized and harder to document publicly, social media and eyewitness accounts do cite tension when individuals use navigation tools or phones in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods.
Harassment and violence toward Christians: A 2024 report by the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue documents a sharp increase in incidents targeting Christian clergy and pilgrims:
Spitting and verbal abuse, often targeting identifiable religious leaders or worshippers.
Physical assaults, property vandalism, and hateful graffiti on church buildings and cemeteries.
According to the report: "In 2023, there were 30 cases of spitting, 7 violent attacks, 32 attacks on church property, and numerous instances of verbal harassment."
Egg throwing and public intimidation: Known extremist groups like the Sikrikim have threatened and attacked even fellow Orthodox Jews over perceived immodesty — throwing eggs and stones at girls, or vandalizing businesses.
Why This Breaks with Torah Values
1. Respect for Every Person
Leviticus 19:18 commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” When someone is humiliated or harmed for their faith, tools, or identity, that command is broken — especially in a city called holy.
2. No Place for Scorn or Shame
Proverbs warns: “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls...” (Proverbs 24:17). Even perceived “outsiders” deserve our grace, not spit.
3. Do Not Place a Stumbling Block
Leviticus 19:14 teaches us not to put a stumbling block before the blind. Ramallah’s symbol of excluding phone usage — or mocking others for using GPS — insults the dignity of fellow humans rather than offering guidance or compassion.
Our Response & Mission-Driven Actions
The Embassy of Benevolence stands as a voice of kindness, justice, and healing. Here’s how we are responding:
1. Amplifying Awareness & Stories
We plan to document true-to-life experiences — smartphone users bullied, Christians harassed — through anonymous storytelling or public testimony, to bring light to what too many endure in silence.
2. Education & Dialogue
Launch a campaign: “Dignity in Jerusalem” — encouraging mutual respect through dialogue with community figures, synagogues, and local youth groups.
Host forums that link Torah teachings with modern ethics of respect, diversity, and peace.
3. Allies for Protection
Collaborate with organizations like the Rossing Center and Religious Freedom Data Center to strengthen reporting mechanisms and ensure incidents are recorded and addressed.
Encourage community leaders to oppose harassment publicly and protect vulnerable groups.
4. Support and Healing
Create a safe-reporting channel for victims to connect with spiritual and legal aid.
Offer counseling and spiritual encouragement to those hurt by religious-based harassment.
“I strongly condemn any attempt to intimidate worshippers, and I am committed to taking immediate and decisive action against it.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu