Tamra Mayor Highlights Economic Boom, Crime Fight, and Political Imperative

Mousa Abu Rumi, the Mayor of Tamra, spoke in a comprehensive interview with Al-Arab TV about his vision for the city and the broader Arab community in Israel. He detailed significant economic and urban development in Tamra, while also addressing challenges of violence and crime. Abu Rumi also discussed the upcoming national parliamentary elections and the critical need for increased Arab voter turnout.

Abu Rumi highlighted an unprecedented economic and commercial surge in Tamra, particularly in the culinary sector, with the city becoming a major draw for visitors from outside. Regarding violence, he acknowledged rising crime rates in large Arab cities due to population density but asserted that Tamra does not suffer from extortion. He attributed incidents to local gang disputes over trivial social matters rather than purely criminal activity. To combat this, the municipality is deploying advanced surveillance cameras, implementing security patrols in cooperation with reform committees, and pressuring the police.

The mayor also addressed the municipality's financial recovery, noting that it inherited a debt of approximately 100 million shekels, including a 44 million shekel annual structural deficit. A recovery plan, developed with the Ministry of Interior, aims to eliminate the deficit by the end of 2026. Property tax increases are being implemented gradually over three years, keeping Tamra's rates among the lowest in the Arab sector. A hotline has also been launched to address public complaints.

In urban development, Abu Rumi mentioned the completion of infrastructure in the Al-Yasmin neighborhood and efforts to expand the municipal area, providing thousands of housing units. He stated that approved structural plans will yield around 12,000 housing units, effectively resolving the housing crisis. The city is also nearing the completion of a new, modern municipal building, costing approximately 60 million shekels, expected to open in early 2027.

Abu Rumi firmly rejected the proposed "Faiyat" waste dump, which would serve Tamra, Arraba, and Shfaram, arguing it would hinder the city's future urban development. He urged the state to adopt modern, environmentally friendly solutions like waste-to-energy plants instead of locating dumps near Arab communities.

Concerning national politics, Abu Rumi emphasized the importance of media and practical efforts to boost Arab voter turnout in the upcoming elections. He suggested that two Arab political lists could foster competition and increase participation, provided they unite behind the goal of ousting the far-right government and forming a constructive alternative. He warned that continued voter apathy, coupled with policies like home demolitions and rising crime, indirectly leads to the emigration of Arab youth. Abu Rumi concluded that the Arab minority faces a pivotal election, stating that a voter turnout exceeding 70% would prevent the formation of a far-right government and allow the Arab community to play a key role in shaping its future.