Arab Bus Drivers in Jerusalem Face Surge in Hate Crimes

At least six Arab bus drivers in Jerusalem were subjected to racially motivated attacks in the past 24 hours, according to the "Koach LaOvdim" labor union, which represents public transport workers. The union reported to "Haaretz" that drivers face daily risks, including a recent incident on Wednesday, September 30, where Jewish teenagers threw stones at two buses in the Bait Vagan neighborhood. In one case, a stone broke through the windshield and hit a driver, while in another, the driver narrowly avoided injury. On the same day, a group of youths spat at drivers at a bus stop near the Binyanei Ha'uma center and later opened emergency door hatches on buses in the area, obstructing traffic. One driver who exited his bus to fix a problem was assaulted and pepper-sprayed. Later that night, another driver was beaten near Shabbat Square, and the following morning, youths stopped a bus on Hebron Road and attempted to attack the driver. All these attacks targeted drivers and buses belonging to the Superbus company, which employs about a third of the city's drivers. The union estimates that 45 attacks on bus drivers have been recorded in Jerusalem since the beginning of the year, noting that many incidents go unreported. The wave of violence has intensified in recent months, involving physical aggression, threats, and insults, in addition to previous incidents of stone-throwing, property damage, and traffic obstruction. The "Koach LaOvdim" union represents approximately 35,000 workers across various sectors. The recent surge in attacks over a short period is particularly concerning. Police have only arrested one minor suspect out of six reported attacks in the last 24 hours. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing safety concerns for public transport drivers in the capital. In 2025, the "Extra" company reported 45 incidents of violence against drivers and buses in a single month. The article suggests that a recent attempted hijacking of a FlyDubai plane has also fueled aggression towards Arab drivers. Elisha Yared, a leader of "Hilltop Youth," posted on social media, linking an Omani pilot who committed an attack to Arab bus drivers, questioning what prevents any Arab bus driver from "turning the steering wheel into an abyss with 50 Jewish passengers." Lawyer Itay Mak, from the pro-Arab organization "Tag Mehir," has filed a complaint with the Inspector General of the Israel Police, Dani Levi, calling Yared's words open incitement to violence and a potential call to action against Arab drivers. The police have announced an investigation into the matter.