Baka al-Gharbiyya Families Unite Against Extortion and Threats

Families in the Israeli Arab city of Baka al-Gharbiyya are organizing to resist extortion attempts and threats targeting local professionals. This initiative aims to prevent the entrenchment of 'khawa,' a term for protection money or extortion, within the community.

According to Mohammed Rushdi Majadle, deputy mayor of Baka al-Gharbiyya, recent incidents have spurred families to take direct action. He stated that individuals have faced threats and intimidation demanding payment. One case involved a member of the Abu Mukh family who allegedly received threats to pay money. His family, friends, and neighbors rallied in support, holding a demonstration and issuing a clear rejection of the extortion.

Another incident involved a young man from the Majadle family who, after working in Umm al-Fahm, reportedly received threatening calls demanding payment for working in the area without permission. His family also stood by him, emphasizing that Baka al-Gharbiyya residents will not pay 'khawa' and that professionals want to earn a living with dignity. Majadle noted that while extortion hasn't been widespread in Baka al-Gharbiyya previously, recent events represent a clear attack on working individuals.

Majadle criticized the police's handling of one case, where authorities allegedly closed the targeted business instead of arresting the perpetrator who had made threats and fired shots. This led to a local protest demanding the business's reopening, which was eventually complied with. He stressed that while families are mobilizing, the responsibility to confront criminal organizations lies with the state and police.

He also mentioned that the young man from the Majadle family filed a police complaint with recordings of the threatening calls but has seen no practical action yet. Majadle highlighted that the current family-led movement has seen no new threats since their initial meeting. He also appealed to residents of Umm al-Fahm, as threats in the recent case reportedly originated there, urging them to prevent individuals from using the city's name for extortion against professionals from other towns.

Majadle called for a broader Arab community effort, involving families and institutions, to adopt a firm stance against paying extortion money. He asserted that professionals should be able to work and return home safely, without their livelihoods becoming targets for extortion.