Sakhnin Mayor Voices Concerns Over Police Conduct Ahead of October Uprising Anniversary

Sakhnin is preparing to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the October Uprising, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, on Saturday, October 3rd. Events will include visits to martyrs' families, wreath-laying ceremonies, and a central march towards Arraba. However, concerns linger regarding the police's potential handling of these public gatherings.

Mazen Ghanayem, the mayor of Sakhnin, stated in a radio interview that the current atmosphere makes commemorating the anniversary more challenging. He noted that while fears exist, they will not deter the municipality and the popular committee from organizing and participating in the events. Ghanayem referenced the Or Commission's recommendations from the 2000 events, which aimed to improve police relations with the Arab community, but asserted that police treatment of Arab citizens has not sufficiently changed, citing heavy security presence at past events.

Ghanayem emphasized the importance of honoring the martyrs, wounded, and detainees with dignity, while also prioritizing the safety of participants and preventing any clashes. He outlined the day's schedule, starting with visits to martyrs' families, followed by wreath-laying at the memorial, and culminating in the central march in Arraba.

The mayor expressed apprehension about a repeat of the heavy police deployment, including dog units, seen at previous Sakhnin protests. He stressed that the commemoration's goal is not confrontation, but rather to protect citizens amidst what he described as pressures faced by the Arab community in various aspects of life. The municipality is coordinating security arrangements and is committed to holding the events without compromising the Arab community's right to commemorate.

Ghanayem linked the current climate to the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27, 2026, urging the Arab community to vote while also stressing the significance of continued popular activism. He believes that while voting is a crucial tool, maintaining memory, identity, and participating in national events are vital for confronting the community's challenges. He concluded by calling for high participation in the anniversary events, asserting that the youth are increasingly connected to their identity and nationalism.