Israeli Farmers Unite Against Extortionists After 'Protection' Calls

Residents of the Ramat Tzvi moshav in the Beit She'an Valley have declared they will not pay extortionists who have been calling farm owners, posing as providers of "protection services." Following several such calls, the community decided to unite and form a joint front against the racket.

Icit Abramovich, a 65-year-old owner of a family dairy farm, reported that the caller offered him protection and, upon refusal, demanded to know who was already guarding the farm. A similar call was received by 74-year-old farmer Pinchas Arbel. According to Arbel, after contacting the police, it was determined that the call originated from a neighboring Arab village.

In response to these incidents, the residents of Ramat Tzvi resolved to coordinate their actions and seek assistance from the "Ad Kan" organization. Uzi Dablin, one of the local initiative organizers, stated that the entire moshav has agreed not to pay the extortionists and to enhance their own security if necessary, according to "Mako."

The "Ad Kan" organization announced that its volunteers are prepared to come to Ramat Tzvi to aid in security efforts. Its representatives also highlighted a government decision to allocate 30 million shekels for a pilot program to support victims of and those threatened by extortionists, noting that the program has not yet been implemented in practice.