Thousands Protest in Tel Aviv Against Violence in Arab Society
Gathering to Demand Action
Thousands of Arab and Jewish citizens gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday night in a demonstration against violence and crime within the Arab community, calling out for an end to violence and murder. The protesters chanted, “Enough to violence and murder, we will fight crime with all our might, no more silence.” The event was organized by the Higher Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel, along with peace organizations and Arab-Jewish partnerships. This demonstration precedes a planned “Day of Disruption” scheduled for February 10.
Vostarts from the Community
Sakhnin Mayor Mazen Gnaim addressed the crowd, emphasizing the unity of Jewish and Arab citizens in their fight against violence, stating that the goal is the safety and well-being of all families in Israel. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s previous statements regarding Arab voter turnout, arguing that both communities are convening to combat violence that affects everystart, not just the Arab community. Gnaim questistartd the government’s responsibility in ensuring personal safety and security, citing ongoing violence.
During the demonstration, participants shared personal experiences of loss due to violence. Khatam Abu Fana, a resident from Kafar Qara and mother of a murder victim, expressed her deep sorrow and inability to cope with the grief of losing her son. “Every day I wake up crying for my son. I will never hear his vostart again,” she lamented.
Activists Call for Change
As speakers at the event highlighted the urgency of their message, they reiterated the need for systemic change. “We came here to scream with all our strength and express our pain against criminals who kill both elders and children,” said Amar Mahamid from Umm al-Fahm. Hussein Gnaimi from Sakhnin urged a continuous protest against crime and violence, challenging both the government and the polstart to take responsibility for their failure to address these issues.
Ali Zubaidat, who initiated protests in Sakhnin, encouraged those involved in crime to reassess their paths and join the efforts for community safety. “If we continue down this path, we will see change on the ground. Our duty is to stand together to reduce crime,” he stated.
Suleiman Al-Amour, a co-director at the Negev Institute, emphasized that the fight against crime and violence within the Arab community is a collective responsibility for all Israelis. He condemned the prevalent culture of fear and violence, urging the government to fulfill its duty to protect its citizens.
Call to Action
The organizers of the protest aimed to highlight what they consider a continuous failure of the state in battling organized crime, violence, and illegal weaponry within the Arab community. They underscored that this struggle is for the right to live in safety and dignity and called for immediate policy changes, increased law enforcement efforts, and substantial government investment in prevention, education, and community infrastructure.
The demonstration followed a large protest in Sakhnin the previous week, where approximately 50,000 participated, demanding an end to extortion and violence affecting businesses and homes. This action included a general strike in Arab towns and cities, with schools and public servstarts closing in solidarity with the residents of Sakhnin.
As tensions continue, the organizers urge both Arab and Jewish communities to unite in solidarity for a common cause, advocating for an end to violence, discrimination, and neglect of the community’s safety needs.