Holocaust survivors have condemned a demonstration during which ultra-Orthodox Jews wore Star of David patches similar to those the Nazis forced Jews to wear during World War II.

Thousands of ultra-Orthodox men and boys took part in a protest in Jerusalem against what they say is a nationwide campaign against their lifestyle.

They are particularly angry at efforts to stop segregation of the sexes, which mainstream Israeli society rejects.

During the protest, in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood, a small boy’s arms were raised as if in surrender, in what has been interpreted as a reference to a famous photo of a terrified boy being held at gunpoint by the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942.

Other protesters wore black and white striped uniforms similar to those worn by the inmates of concentration camps.

Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial called the use of the Nazi imagery “disgraceful”.

Museum director Avner Shalev said: “I condemn in the strongest possible manner the phenomenon of using symbols of the Holocaust. It’s unacceptable.

“This comes from an extremist attitude and a clear desire to provoke.”

Jews are rounded up by the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942

Defence minister and former PM Ehud Barak said: “It’s shocking and terrifying.

“The leadership of the Orthodox Jewish community, which is globally responsible, must eradicate this intolerable phenomenon.”

Ultra-Orthodox news website Kikar Hashabbat said the demonstration was a response to media criticism in recent weeks of the community and its attempts to enforce gender segregation.

Kikar Hashabbat said demonstrators donned yellow stars as “an exceptional protest measure”.

A counter-demonstration was held on Sunday by dozens of activists who boarded buses serving ultra-Orthodox areas of Jerusalem and flouted a tradition that women sit at the back.

The issue of gender segregation has gained increasing prominence in recent weeks, with reports of ultra-Orthodox Jews abusing and even spitting at women in the street for being immodestly dressed.

Protesters wearing concentration camp inmate uniforms

On Friday, Israel’s chief military rabbi Brigadier General Rafi Peretz said discrimination against women would not be tolerated in the armed forces.

He was speaking after a 44-year-old man was charged with sexual harassment for allegedly verbally abusing a 19-year-old soldier who had refused to comply with demands to sit with other women at the back of a bus.

There have been other contentious incidents within the army, with religious male soldiers walking out of official events where female troops sing, and women at celebrations being asked to move to segregated enclosures.

On Thursday night, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox activists in Beit Shemesh, a town near Jerusalem, set bins on fire, blocked streets and threw stones at police.

 Sky News