Waste Burning Crisis Widens in Israel, Officials Demand National Action
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
A waste burning and air pollution crisis, disproportionately affecting Arab communities in Israel, has been declared a national emergency. Over 110 local authority heads have urged the next government to address the issue within its first 100 days. Israel's inability to process millions of tons of annual waste contributes to the problem, with criminal gangs also exploiting the situation. Experts warn of health risks and call for comprehensive solutions to protect public health and the environment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Over 110 Israeli local authority heads urged a new government to tackle the waste crisis within 100 days.
- Israel produces 6-7 million tons of waste annually but can only process 4.5 million tons.
- The waste crisis disproportionately impacts Arab communities, turning them into a "backyard" for disposal.
- Criminal gangs are reportedly exploiting the waste disposal crisis, with potentially toxic materials involved.
- Experts warn of significant health risks and environmental damage from the ongoing waste burning.
- The association 'Citizens for a Clean Environment' has been working on the issue for seven years.
The escalating crisis of waste burning and air pollution in Israel, particularly affecting Arab communities, has been described as a national issue requiring comprehensive solutions. Mohammed Freej, a member of the association 'Citizens for a Clean Environment,' stated that the problem is no longer confined to local Arab towns but has become a national emergency. He warned that the Arab community continues to bear the brunt of its consequences.
Freej explained that his association was formed seven years ago to address fire issues in Arab communities. Recently, 110 local authority heads from across Israel sent a joint letter to party leaders, urging them to prioritize the waste and fire crisis on the national agenda. The letter calls for addressing the issue within the first 100 days of forming a new government, warning that continued neglect will exacerbate the problem.
He attributed the crisis to the state's inability to process large quantities of waste annually. Israel produces between 6 and 7 million tons of waste yearly, but can only process about 4.5 million tons, leaving approximately 2.5 million tons without a proper solution. This deficit forces waste into Arab towns, which Freej described as the state's "backyard," lacking adequate disposal methods. He also highlighted the involvement of criminal gangs exploiting this situation, noting that some disposed materials may be toxic, citing the use of a substance called "Bentonite," typically used in construction.
Freej criticized the Ministry of Environmental Protection for not giving the waste crisis in Arab communities sufficient attention over the past years. He stressed that addressing the crisis should be a top priority for all political parties and the government, given its impact on public health and the environment. While acknowledging the growing awareness signaled by the local leaders' letter, Freej expressed cautious optimism, awaiting practical steps to address the demands. He concluded that the Arab community cannot continue to bear the burden of an unaddressed crisis and called for a comprehensive solution to ensure proper waste management, reduce fires and pollution, and protect public health across all regions.
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