“While the march was billed as a celebration, its militant virtues were clearly visible. The event seemed more a show of force than a street party.
“‘The march is meant to intimidate Christians,’ said Saleem, a Nazareth Christian resident who asked that his last name be withheld for fear of what he said was ‘Muslim retaliation’ for speaking out.
“‘It’s part of the methods used by the Muslims in very obvious ways to create an atmosphere where the Christians should know the Muslims are the main power and we are not welcome anymore,’ Saleem said.
“Ahmed Zohbi, a member of Nazareth’s municipal council and the leader of an umbrella group consisting of the city’s Islamic parties, denied Saleem’s accusations, claiming there is ‘no problem’ between Christians and Muslims in Nazareth.
“‘We just want to celebrate. The Muslims have nothing against our Christian brothers. Our communities may have differences but we live a peaceful coexistence,’ Zohbi told WND.”
