The bride, Moral, wore white. And the groom, Mahmoud, was overjoyed to marry her. However, this wasn’t your typical wedding in Israel.

She is from a Jewish family; he a Muslim Arab one. It is a rare combination during peaceful times. When they wed this month in midst of an ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinians in Gaza, the wedding drew the attention of media, spectators, and protesters.

As the day progressed, their numbers grew. A group of Israeli nationalists chanted “Death to Arabs”; some were arrested by a re-enforcement of 200 local police. The Israeli president condemned the demonstrators. The couple declined interview requests, asking to focus on their celebration instead. However, the event highlighted the heightened tension between the two groups.

Arabs make up about 20 percent of Israel’s Jewish-majority population. Most cities are inhabited almost exclusively by one or the other. However, places like Jaffa where the couple lives are mixed, coexistence isn’t a given.

CCTV’s Roee Ruttenberg reports from Jaffa, Israel.

Mixed marriage brings people together

The bride, Moral, wore white. And the groom, Mahmoud, was overjoyed to marry her. However, this wasn't your typical wedding in Israel.