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Berlin, Dec. 12, 2017 (dpa/NAN) The Central Council of Jews (CCJ) on Tuesday called on German government to ban the burning of flags during anti-Israel protests.
The appeal comes up ahead of a rally to protest the recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital was due to take place in Berlin.
“Whoever burns the Israeli flag is questioning (or) denying Israel’s right to exist.
“That is pushing up against the boundaries of the right to free assembly,” the head of group, Josef Schuster told regional newspaper Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung.
A series of rallies were held in Germany last week to demonstrate U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel.
Critics argue the move has undermined efforts to reach a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
The burning of Israeli flags and anti-Semitic insults during the protests was condemned by the German government on Monday with a spokesman referring to the incidents as “shameful”.
“Such transgressions, which have a clear anti-Semitic character, should not be approved,” Schuster said, adding that the German government should consider new legislation to prevent such incidents.
Another of such rally is scheduled to take place near Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. (dpa/NAN)
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Grace Yussuf