Tension rises as Israeli nationalists prepare for controversial march in Jerusalem

Today is Jerusalem Day in Israel. It's a special day. People celebrate by doing a march called the Dance of the Flags. This march has become bigger over the years. It started with just a few students in 1967. Now, there are around 70,000 young Israelis who join the march. Some people think this march can be violent. A group called Am KeLavi organizes the march. They expect between 60,000 and 100,000 people to join today. Families of those who died in an attack by Hamas might also be there. The march goes through the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. In the past, marchers have said mean things about Palestinians and even attacked them. This has caused problems. Last year, rockets from Hamas led to a big fight that lasted 11 days. People wonder if the march should take a different path. Some people think the march should go through the Old City. They say it's the right of the Jewish people. They believe it's important to show their presence. Others worry this could cause more problems. The police and the Jerusalem municipality help with the march. There are also volunteers who want to protect Palestinians from any harm. The march is a big event for Jewish nationalists. It celebrates when Israel took control of East Jerusalem in 1967. This is not accepted by everyone in the world. The march often leads to fights between marchers and Palestinians. It can also lead to hate speech and damage to Palestinian property. Last year, there were many injuries during the march. This year, tensions are high because of recent events. The national security minister of Israel supports the march. He wants people to join. The police ask everyone to follow the rules and not be violent. They want the march to be safe. Palestinian authorities and others have not said if they agree with the march. In the past, they have not liked it. The Old City of Jerusalem has been quiet lately. There are not many tourists or open shops. Access to the Temple Mount has been limited for some people. Jews can visit but not pray there. Some worry that Israel wants to take over the area. This has caused concerns for many years.