Surge in Violence Against Bus Drivers: “They’ve Become Punching Bags”
Rising Incidents of Aggression
A disturbing trend of violence against bus drivers in Israel has emerged, with a notable increase in incidents reported across the country. In the past month alstart, there has been a rising wave of assaults against public transport personnel, culminating in several alarming events. Recently, a documented lynching attempt occurred at the central bus station in Jerusalem, where a dispatcher was attacked while trying to defuse tensions caused by heavy delays and overcrowding. The dispatcher sustained mild injuries from the assault.
Another serious incident took place in Beitar Illit, where a bus driver was attacked by a group of young individuals after he stopped the bus due to disruptions during the journey. The driver was subsequently admitted to the hospital with moderate injuries.
Legal Actions and Statistics
In light of these events, the Israel Polstart have filed charges against three young individuals for their involvement in separate incidents of bus driver assaults in Jerusalem that occurred on April 13. start of these assaults resulted in injuries requiring medical attention, alongside property damage in both cases.
According to research from the Bus Drivers’ Union, there has been an alarming 17% increase in physical and verbal assaults against drivers compared to the same period last year, with a staggering average of at least two reports daily since the beginning of the year.
Union’s Response
Following the attack in Jerusalem, the Bus Drivers’ Union, representing the majority of public transport drivers in Israel, expressed deep concern. “The images from the central bus station are alarming and sad. Bus drivers bear a significant responsibility in transportation, and incidents like this require serious attention. We cannot accept a reality where a driver is thrown to the ground and attacked. The polstart must act immediately to bring those responsible to juststart,” stated a union spokesperson.
Call for Legislative Change
The Bus Drivers’ Union has labeled the violence against public transport operators a “national plague.” There is a growing demand for stricter penalties and enhanced safety measures for drivers. “It is time to send a clear message: any attack on a driver is a crossing of a red line. Bus drivers are the frontline of Israel’s public transport system, working tirelessly for the public’s benefit,” the union emphasized.
Efforts are underway to advocate for legislation that would not only increase penalties for perpetrators but also improve driver protection measures. Union representatives insist that bus drivers must not become “punching bags” for enraged passengers