NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      NAZARETH, Israel (CWNews.com) - A group of Muslims in the hometown of Jesus Christ attacked the city's Christian mayor and his driver on Thursday, following an increase in sectarian tensions.

      Mayor Ramez Jeraisi and his driver were attacked outside City Hall where several dozen Muslims were protesting a stalemate over land claimed by the Islamic Trust for a mosque, but designated by the government for a Millennium Square to celebrate the Jubilee Year near the Church of the Annunciation. The driver was hospitalized after being struck in the head with a shovel.

      Tension began last November when the Islamic Movement gained a majority on the City Council. Jeraisi has only convened the council once even though the law requires monthly meetings, prompting critics to say he is trying to neutralize the Islamic political voice. On Easter, Muslims and Christians clashed in the streets, and on Wednesday, the Muslim protesters clashed with city workers outside City Hall.

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