Muslims Demand Resignation of Nazareth’s Mayor

NAZARETH, Israel —  Muslims demanded the resignation of Nazareth’s Christian mayor Monday, a day after sectarian clashes in the town of Jesus’ boyhood disrupted its long-standing record of religious tolerance.

And in a rare joint statement, the highest representatives of Christian denominations in Israel said they would close churches in Nazareth today and Wednesday to protest attacks against Christians.

Signed by the patriarchs of Jerusalem and other church leaders, the statement also called on both sides to refrain from violence.

Growing tensions in recent months between Muslims and Christians in Nazareth exploded on Easter Sunday over plans for a site for millennium pilgrims. A dozen people were injured, 30 cars were damaged and 11 people were arrested during the confrontations.

After the last municipal elections, snags arose over ambitious plans to give the city a face lift for the millennium. The Islamic movement won a majority on the city council for the first time and Mayor Ramez Jeraisi was barely reelected.