Israeli Farmers Resist Extortion, Vow Not to Pay Protection Money

Residents of the Ramat Tzvi moshav (cooperative community) in the Beit She'an Valley are standing firm against extortion attempts, refusing to pay protection money despite threats. When individuals claiming to offer 'security' contacted local dairy farmers, they were met with outright refusal and a declaration that they would not succumb to such demands, even if it meant closing their businesses. This defiance comes amid a broader resurgence of protection rackets in northern Israel, highlighted by recent incidents like the arson of agricultural equipment in Ayelet Hashachar and demands in Amiad.

Two veteran farmers, Itzik Abramovitch, 65, and Pinchas Arbel, 74, shared their experiences of receiving calls demanding payment disguised as security services. Both men, whose families have farmed in the area for generations, rejected the offers, with Abramovitch stating, "We won't pay, even if we have to close the business." Arbel added, "Paying is not an option. We are united, the entire moshav. If necessary, we will increase our own security, but we will not give 'havala' (protection money) to anyone."

The farmers' individual courage has galvanized the entire moshav into a unified front. Uzi Dvlin, a resident, is coordinating the effort and has partnered with the "Ad Kan, Putting an End to Protection" organization. "Ramat Tzvi will not fall and will not pay anyone," Dvlin declared. "No criminal will collect protection money here."

Yariv Ben Ami, founder of Ad Kan, praised the community's stand, calling it "true value-based Zionism" and a message that fighting and defeating this phenomenon is possible, but requires collective action. He criticized the government's perceived lack of enforcement, citing recent arsons and demands in kibbutzim, and urged the state to "wake up." Gidi Harari, CEO of Ad Kan, stated that thousands of volunteers are ready to assist Ramat Tzvi and reminded the government of a promised 30 million shekel pilot program for victims of such threats, which has yet to materialize.