VIOLENCE ON INTER-RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND IN THREE ISRAELI CITIES: SAFED, NAZARETH, AND BEIT SHEMESH
VIOLENCE ON INTER-RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND IN THREE ISRAELI CITIES: SAFED, NAZARETH, AND BEIT SHEMESH

Summary/Abstract: This article focuses on three case studies representing highlights of tensions concerning the religious background. We examine the deep cultural roots of religious intolerance and some of the triggers for the recent outbreak of the following disputes in Israel: Safed – The call by rabbis to Jews not to rent or sell apartments to Arabs; Beit Shemesh – The intimidation of Ultra orthodox against non-Haredi and secular Jews, particularly targeting women and children; and Nazareth – The growing control of the Islamic Movement at the Shihab al-Din Tomb in front of the Church of Annunciation. All three case studies manifest an immediate trigger and religious discourse for justifying violence but we found that they cover deeper social processes.Violence emerged from the same roots of cultural exclusivity though refracted through different cultural lenses. The crises discussed reflect on the one hand the growing need of identity-groups to solidify their group-solidarity in times of crisis. While on the other hand they manifest the need of conservative groups to counter modernity.

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