Israelis celebrating Independence Day on Tuesday at Lavi Forest in the lower Galilee encountered a large Nakba Day demonstration.
Some 8,000 Israeli Arabs waved Palestinian flags in the name of Lubya, an Arab town that was destroyed during the War of Independence.
Demonstrators also handed out "Nakba recognition certificates" for people to sign.
The certificate asked those signing to recognize the "Nakba" ("Catastrophe"), "which was caused by Israel in 1948, during which 678 Palestinian communities were destroyed and more than 700,000 Palestinians became refugees."
The certificates were drafted by the New Jewish National Fund, part of the Zochrot organization calling for recognition of the Palestinian Nakba and advocating the Palestinian right of return. The New Jewish National Fund is not part of the well-known Jewish National Fund.
Police were ready near the demonstration, although after five hours, demonstrators dispersed without incident.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman posted a message on Facebook in response to the event.
"I have a suggestion for all the Arabs who took part in 'Nakba Day' celebrations and waved Palestinian flags, next time march straight to Ramallah -- and stay there," he said.
Hashomer Hahadash Chairman Yoel Zilberman said, "Those who want to [commemorate the] Nakba can; those who want to celebrate [Israel's independence] and create a sense of security also can. Everyone is free to do as they wish as long as they do not harm anyone else. We chose to celebrate."
טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו