Israelis 'mock' Arab customs in Ultra-Orthodox wedding near Jerusalem
A video posted online showing a group of Israelis allegedly mocking Arab culture at a Jewish ultra-orthodox wedding in the city of Beit Shemesh, in Jerusalem's west district, has been condemned by Palestinians as "racist".
The clip shows the group imitating traditional Palestinian dances, such as the dabke, while wearing imitations of Arab clothing, including the keffiyeh and thobe.
Arabic music can also be heard playing in the wedding hall, as wedding guests looked on.
هذا حفل زواج لأحد أتباع التيار الديني اليهودي الحريدي في مستوطنة "بيت شيمس"، غرب القدس.
— د.صالح النعامي (@salehelnaami) February 17, 2023
أحد فقرات الحفل خصصت للسخرية من العرب.
فكانت وصلة الرقص هذه.
هذا الفيديو عرضه الصحفي الحريدي يسرائيل كوهين على حسابه على تويتر.
النظرة العنصرية والدونية تجاه العرب قاسم مشترك لهذه السوائب. pic.twitter.com/6dWAKimhMz
The video was originally posted online by Israeli journalist Israel Cohen. It was later reposted by Palestinian researcher on Israeli affairs Dr. Saleh El-Naami, who said that the wedding included an entire segment mocking Arab culture.
The New Arab was unable to independently verify the video, which has amassed more than half a million views online, though
1- אנחנו רוקדים עם בגדים רגילים 2- אין ריקוד ערבי בצורה כזאת 3- מדובר בגזענות נטו
— Yanal Jabarin | ينال جبارين (@JbareenYanal) February 18, 2023
El-Naami said: "Racism and the inferior view of Arabs are a common denominator in [such events].
"Israelis do not differentiate between the various Arab cultures and nationalities, and use the term 'Arab' to refer to everyone from the wider region," he added.
Activist and journalist Yanal Jabarin also criticised the video, saying: "We dance in normal clothes. There is no Arab dance like that. This is pure racism."
Activists and human rights groups have pointed out that racism against Palestinians is commonplace in Israel and in the occupied territories.
Israel continues to implement discriminatory policies against Palestinians, such as illegal settlement expansions, racial profiling, arbitrary arrests, and deadly physical assaults.
Palestinians in Israel say they are relegated to second-class citizens, facing regular discrimination in housing, employment and public services.
Israel has occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem illegally since it invaded in 1967, and has imposed a years-long economic blockade on the Gaza Strip, since 2007.