Israeli Farmers Unite Against Extortion, Refuse to Pay Protection Money

Residents of the Ramat Tzvi moshav (cooperative agricultural community) in the Beit She'an Valley are standing firm against extortionists demanding protection money, refusing to pay even if it means closing their businesses. The farmers were targeted with veiled threats disguised as "security offers" by individuals demanding payment. Instead of succumbing to fear, veteran farmers like Itzik Abramovitch, 65, and Pinchas Arbel, 74, confronted the callers directly, refusing to cooperate and ending the conversations.

Abramovitch, whose family has operated a dairy farm in the moshav since 1949, stated, "Paying protection money is not an option. We have everything we need, and even if I have to close the business, we won't pay."

Arbel echoed this sentiment, recounting how he rejected an offer for "security services," stating, "We have enough systems and technology and have no need for it." He added, "Paying is not an option. We are united, the entire moshav. If necessary, we will strengthen our security, but we will not give protection money to anyone."

The individual resistance quickly escalated into a community-wide effort. Uzi Dvlin, a moshav resident coordinating the fight, partnered with the "Ad Kan" organization, which combats protection rackets. The moshav has declared a unified front, vowing, "Ramat Tzvi will not fall and will not pay anyone. We are united, we will fight together, and no criminal will collect protection money here."

Yariv Ben Ami, founder of Ad Kan, praised the community's stance, calling it "true value-based Zionism" and a message that fighting this phenomenon is possible, but requires collective action. He criticized the government's perceived lack of enforcement, citing recent incidents like the arson of agricultural equipment in Ayelet Hashachar and demands in Amiad, and urged the state to "wake up."

Gidi Harari, CEO of Ad Kan, confirmed 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 extortion, which has yet to materialize despite a government decision.