Activists Deface Knesset Menorah in Anti-War Protest

On Israel’s 77th Independence Day, a radical anti-Zionist group known as “Free Jerusalem” desecrated one of the Jewish state’s most sacred symbols the bronze menorah outside the Knesset with fake blood and corpse-like effigies in a disturbing protest against the ongoing war in Gaza.

The group placed several mannequins smeared in red dye to simulate blood, aligning them around the menorah in a grotesque imitation of mass death. Signs placed beside the installation accused Israel of "Jewish supremacy" and "ethnic cleansing," while calling on the world to "Isolate Israel! Stop the genocide."

"Independence celebrated on the blood of tens of thousands of people is not independence," the group wrote on X (formerly Twitter), exploiting the national holiday to provoke outrage and delegitimize Israel's very existence.

“Free Jerusalem” is known for extreme rhetoric and consistent efforts to undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against terror. Prior to October 7, the group staged weekly protests in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, often calling for an end to Israeli security measures and urging the defunding of police. Following Hamas’ brutal massacre of Israeli civilians, the group initially demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners but later shifted their message to support hostage negotiations without condemning Hamas.

Their latest display, on one of the most symbolic days in the Israeli calendar, has sparked widespread condemnation. The menorah outside the Knesset stands as a national emblem representing continuity, statehood, and the deep connection of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland. Its desecration is not just a political statement it is a blatant attack on the very soul of the Israeli people.

Despite claiming to promote peace, the group refuses to acknowledge the Israeli victims of terror or the barbaric actions of Hamas. Their rhetoric mirrors the slogans of groups that seek to erase Israel entirely, invoking calls for “justice” that ignore reality and reject any form of Jewish self-determination between the river and the sea.

While protests are a hallmark of democratic society, exploiting a symbol like the Knesset menorah to advance false accusations and dangerous slanders against Israel crosses the line into incitement. It insults the memory of those who have fallen and disregards the moral complexity of a war forced upon a nation defending its citizens from genocidal terrorism.

Israel stands strong and proud despite efforts to demonize its existence. Its democracy, history, and values will not be erased by theatrics. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for truthful coverage and unwavering support of Israel.