Israeli Farmers Unite Against Extortion Amidst Rising Crime

Farmers in the moshav (cooperative agricultural community) of Ramat Tzvi have decided to take matters into their own hands to combat extortion and crime, refusing to pay protection money to criminals. This decision comes after a tractor was set on fire and threats were made against residents, followed by calls offering 'security services', a clear demand for protection payments. The farmers are uniting, vowing not to succumb to these demands, even if it means significant personal or business hardship. "We will not pay protection money," stated one farmer, emphasizing the collective resolve. "We are united, the entire moshav. If necessary, we will increase security, but we will not give protection money to anyone."

Another resident highlighted the broader issue of lawlessness, referencing recent incidents in northern Israel, including a farm vehicle being torched in Ayelet Hashahar and other events in various kibbutzim. He attributed these occurrences to a lack of governance in Israel and called for national attention and public support for their struggle. The farmers are also pointing to a government decision to allocate 30 million shekels for a pilot program to aid those threatened or harmed by such criminal activity, noting that this aid has yet to materialize.

The community's stance is firm: they will fight together against the criminals and will not allow protection rackets to operate in their moshav. They are calling on the state to act and for the public to join their fight to end the cycle of extortion.