World

Blood-red waters in Israel raises concerns among Jews over Biblical parallels

The ministry clarified that the phenomenon is purely scientific.

Web Desk

|

7 Aug 2025

A rare natural phenomenon that turned the waters of the Sea of Galilee red in northern Israel sparked concerns among Jewish communities, with many citing biblical references related to similar events during the time of Pharaoh.

The Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake situated near the intersection of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel, developed multiple red patches on its surface.

According to the Israeli Health Ministry, the discoloration was caused by the overgrowth of a green algae species known as Botryococcus braunii. This species, when exposed to extreme sunlight, produces red pigments that change the water’s appearance.

The ministry clarified that the phenomenon is purely scientific and assured Israeli settlers that the water is non-toxic, safe for swimming, and does not pose any allergic risks.

Despite the scientific explanation, the unusual sight stirred deep concern among religious communities due to the lake’s spiritual significance in Judaism.

Many Jews drew parallels with biblical passages, especially the account of God turning water into blood as a sign to Pharaoh, a narrative seen by some as a 'bad omen.'

On social media, several users of the Jewish faith shared a verse from the Book of Exodus:“Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.”

The Sea of Galilee also holds religious importance for Muslims and Christians. According to Islamic Hadith, the lake is prophesied to dry up as a sign that the Day of Judgment is near.

Check: Israeli military chief opposes Netanyahu’s push to seize all of Gaza

For Christians, the sea is revered as the place where Jesus Christ spent much of his time.

Some social media users interpreted the red waters as a symbolic reflection of the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, suggesting that nature itself mirrors Israel's brutality.

The Sea of Galilee turning blood-red as Israel is committing genocide is a detail that any script editor would reject as heavyhanded https://t.co/qxItXJzTuI
— Heidi N. Moore (@moorehn) August 6, 2025

"The waters of the Sea of Galilee are safe to swim in, the Water Ministry confirmed on Monday, despite the bright red color the water has developed.

The appearance of red spots in the sea is the result of the green algae Botryococcus braunii."

Rev 16:3: Then the second angel… pic.twitter.com/EcrxaPr22h
— Obey LLC (@ObeyCorporate) August 5, 2025

The sea of Galilee turned blood red today.

Coincidence? https://t.co/eGaaSM3UnW pic.twitter.com/zyqiIYSrt9
— KHAL (@Hal9000_T1) August 6, 2025

🩸The sea of Galilee has turned the color of blood and the Jewish settlers are concerned about this “bad omen”

[GG] pic.twitter.com/ByHfFgqIDC
— Moh Musthafa Hussain (@musthafaaa) August 6, 2025