VIDEO : Arab Lawmaker Raises Call to Prayer in Israel’s Knesset

Wed Nov 16, 2016 11:10:54

An Arab lawmaker raised the Muslim call to prayer (athan) in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) in protest at a bill that would limit the prayer call.

Ahmed El-Tibi said his move was meant to protest the Israeli bill that aims to bar mosques from using loudspeakers for the call to prayer in East Jerusalem and Arab communities in Israel.

“This law reflects the fascism that grows inside the Israeli community,” Tibi told Anadolu Agencyin exclusive statements.

He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of standing behind the controversial bill.

On Saturday, the Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the anti-athan bill before it goes to the Knesset, where it then must pass three rounds of voting before becoming law.

Tibi called on Palestinians in East Jerusalem and Israel to stage disobedience against the bill.

“Palestinians and Muslims around the world must work to thwart the Israeli decision to limit the call to prayer,” he said.

Netanyahu on Sunday claimed that the bill enjoyed a wide popular support, while Palestinians have roundly condemned the move as a blatant violation of Palestinians’ freedom to worship.

In a statement, Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh warned that the Israeli bill will drag the region into a disaster.

“The Israeli actions are completely unacceptable,” he said. “The Palestinian leadership will go to the UN Security Council and to all international institutions to stop the escalating Israeli measures,” he said.

 

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