Beer Sheva Deputy Mayor Warns of Danger on Yom Kippur

Shimon Tubul, the deputy mayor of Beer Sheva, has issued a stark warning regarding traffic safety during Yom Kippur, stating he will not wait for a child to be killed before taking action. His comments come in response to a demand from the Arab rights group, the Musawa Center, for the police to ensure freedom of movement for Arab citizens during the Jewish day of atonement.

Tubul, who previously called for restricting vehicle access to the city on Yom Kippur, emphasized that if a difficult decision is needed to prevent an accident, it must be made. He clarified that his concern is solely for resident safety, not against the Arab public. "Beer Sheva is not a race track," he stated, indicating that while essential travel for medical or vital needs will be permitted, non-essential private vehicle entry will be restricted.

The Musawa Center had appealed to Police Commissioner Danny Levi, citing past incidents where Arab drivers were attacked, stoned, and had roads blocked on Yom Kippur. The center argued that Arab citizens should not have to avoid travel or confine themselves due to fear of assault, demanding safe passage, particularly to Arab communities, mixed cities, hospitals, and workplaces.

Soha Salman Musa, a co-director at Musawa, acknowledged the religious significance of Yom Kippur for Jewish people but stressed that it does not justify endangering others. She called on the police to unequivocally condemn violence and road blockades aimed at imposing holiday customs and to protect those threatened while acting against those who threaten, rather than restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Tubul recounted last year's Yom Kippur, describing vehicles entering the city recklessly and endangering children and families. He asserted his duty as an elected official is to protect lives and that he would not be the one to offer condolences to a bereaved family after an avoidable tragedy.