Around 5,000 Arab citizens of Israel took to the streets in protest against the rising crime and violence within the Arab community. Carrying dozens of symbolic “coffins,” the demonstrators marched through Tel Aviv.
The protesters, with 140 symbolic coffins, marked the 140 Arab-on-Arab fatalities that occurred in Israel in 2023. They accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to the Arab-on-Arab violence.
According to the Times of Israel, on the evening of August 3rd this year, thousands gathered in central Tel Aviv in response to a pre-announced call for action, demanding increased government efforts to curb the escalating criminal activities within Arab communities. This year alone, the violence has claimed the lives of 140 individuals. Protesters marched from Habima Square to the Tel Aviv Museum, condemning the government’s inaction.
Badia Khneifas, whose daughter was killed in a car bombing in 2022, stated, “I accuse the government, the police, and all security institutions.” She addressed the crowd, mentioning that the case of her daughter’s murder remains unsolved.
In addition to the citizen protesters, several representatives from the Knesset, including members from the Arab-majority parties “Ra’am” and
“Hadash-Tal,” as well as lawmakers from the “Kahol Lavan” and “Meretz” parties, participated in the demonstrations.
Participants walked behind those carrying the 140 coffins, which were adorned with slogans describing the possible futures of the victims had they not been killed.
According to a human rights group in Israel, in the first nine months of this year, at least 140 Arab citizens of Israel have fallen victim to violence-induced deaths. This figure surpasses the total number of killings in the year 2022.
