Worker Unions Sign Pact Against Violence Following Lawyer's Murder
In response to the recent murder of attorney Arbel Feldman, a coalition of Israeli worker unions convened in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a special conference addressing the escalating violence and threats against public service workers. The gathering included leaders from unions representing teachers, nurses, social workers, medical professionals, and public transportation employees.
The central aim of the conference was to consolidate the fight against violence, which has largely been managed independently by each professional organization, into a unified effort representing hundreds of thousands of Israeli workers. The event was attended by Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit, Israel Bar Association head Adv. Amit Bachar, and other senior legal and law enforcement officials.
At the conclusion of the conference, the union leaders signed the "Workers Without Fear" charter, a joint commitment to combat violence against public servants and professionals. The agreement mandates collaborative action with the government, Knesset, police, and enforcement agencies. It also pledges to advance legislative reforms, establish reporting and support mechanisms for threatened workers, and raise public awareness of the issue.
A permanent joint forum of unions and professional organizations will be established to monitor violence trends and coordinate actions with state authorities. The charter also includes a commitment to mutual support, ensuring that a severe act of violence against a member of one union will trigger a collective response from all signatory organizations.
Speakers at the event, including Adv. Bachar, Social Workers Union chair Inbal Hermoni, Nurses Union chair Shaul Skif, Teachers Union chair Ran Erez, and Public Health Physicians Association chair Prof. Chagai Levine, highlighted the systemic failures and societal pressures contributing to the violence. They emphasized the need for government investment, legislative changes, and a zero-tolerance policy, framing violence as an existential threat to public health and the rule of law. The unions called on Israel to declare the fight against violence a national mission and develop a comprehensive policy for prevention, protection, enforcement, and punishment, asserting that while disputes and protests are legitimate, violence and threats are not.
