Israeli Police Arrest Man in Nun Assault Near Old City

Israeli police arrested a 36-year-old man on Friday suspected of assaulting a nun near Jerusalem's Old City in what authorities described as a possible racially motivated attack. The incident occurred on Wednesday near David's Tomb, a holy site outside Zion's Gate on the southern side of the Old City, and was captured on video released by police.

Footage showed the suspect, who was wearing tzitzit, a fringed garment worn by some observant Jewish men, following the 48-year-old French nun before pushing her to the ground, causing a head injury. He then briefly walked away and returned to kick her as she lay on the pavement, until bystanders intervened. The nun, a researcher at Jerusalem's French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research, suffered visible bruising, according to the video and statements from her colleagues.

Police took the unnamed suspect into custody and stated they view violent acts potentially driven by racist motives against clergy with utmost severity. In a social media post, officers affirmed their commitment in the city sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, saying, "We remain committed to protecting all communities and ensuring those responsible...