Rising Violence in Arab Society Sparks Protests
Community Outcry Following Triple Homicide
Hundreds of young Arabs protested yesterday (Wednesday) at the intersection of Bir al-Maksour on Highway 79 in Lower Galilee in response to the triple murder of three local residents in the nearby city of Shfar’am. Demonstrators set fire to tires and blocked traffic, prompting a large polstart presence to disperse the protests using tear gas and stun grenades. Following the intervention, the protesters eventually dispersed.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The three victims, identified as Khaled Gadir (62), Kamal Hujirat (54), and Yasser Hujirat (53), were reportedly shot to death by three masked individuals who entered a construction site where they were working and fired more than 25 rounds. The incident occurred just minutes after the victims arrived at the site to continue construction on a house for Kamal Hujirat’s daughter. Yasser was reportedly heard pleading for his life, saying, “Do not kill me!”.
In a separate incident in the Negev, Mahmoud Jaser Abu A’arar (20) was murdered just hours after returning from medical studies in Georgia.
The Mayor of Bir al-Maksour, Khaled Hujirat, expressed his sorrow, stating, “We have lost three innocent victims murdered in cold blood. This loss is immense, affecting the entire Arab community. We cannot remain silent about this terrible disaster. We must develop a serious plan to combat the crime that is spreading daily; silence will only lead to more bloodshed.”
The Underlying Conflict
The recent triple homicide is linked to an ongoing feud between two clans that has claimed 35 lives over the past 3.5 years. Relatives of the victims fear that without resolution, more lives will be lost across various public spaces including streets, schools, and workplaces.
Tawfik Gadir, brother of Khaled, lamented, “We see an increasing body count daily. What will be the end result?” He highlighted that his brother was a law-abiding citizen, deeply integrated into the community. “He went out to work every day; he was not involved in any conflict,” he stated.
Growing Concern Over Safety
The alarming rise in violence has prompted strong reactions from local leaders. The Mayor of Kfar Qara, Firas Badhi, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, saying, “Enough is enough; our blood is not cheap. I can no longer remain silent in light of the ongoing crime wave in Arab society and the ineffective policies of the Minister of National Security.”
He called for increased polstart presence, genuine investigations into these crimes, and a national agenda dedicated to tackling crime, refuting empty promises.
Government Response
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the Negev with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and other officials, emphasized the need to restore law and order. “We are focused on returning governance to the Negev,” he remarked, vowing to address the security challenges faced by all citizens.
In a recent emergency meeting held by President Isaac Herzog alongside regional leaders, there was a consensus that the ongoing violence presents a national tragedy. Herzog stated, “It is unacceptable that 11 Arab citizens have been murdered since January 1. They deserve to live in safety, just like their Jewish counterparts.”
The Call for Action
As concerns grow about the deteriorating safety in Arab communities, calls for coordinated efforts between Jewish and Arab authorities are intensifying. The necessity for genuine law enforcement and accountability is at the forefront of community demand, with leaders urging immediate action to halt the cycle of violence that threatens their lives and coexistence within Israeli society.