Four Generations of the Safia Family Serve in Israeli Police, Advocating for Community Trust and Change
The Safia family has a remarkable 83-year legacy of service in Israeli law enforcement, beginning with Salim Safia, who joined the British Mandate police at age 20 and later served in the Israel Police until his death at 49. His son Ahmad Safia, now 78, followed in his footsteps, joining the police at 25 as one of the few Arab-Muslim officers at the time. Ahmad served in various locations including Kiryat Shmona, Acre, and as station commander at Marina Acre before retiring in 2004 after 30 years of service.
Ahmad’s son, Sergeant Adham Safia, represents the third generation, having grown up immersed in police culture. Born during a police patrol ride to the hospital, Adham has served for over 22 years, primarily at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, where he oversees community policing and security for high-profile visitors. He emphasizes the importance of police presence in Arab communities but acknowledges the challenges, stating that "you cannot place a patrol car outside every home" and calls for a shift in community attitudes toward cooperation with the police.
Adham advocates for increased recruitment of Arab officers to strengthen ties between the police and Arab society, envisioning a future where uniformed officers serve as bridges between communities. Continuing the family tradition, his daughter, 21-year-old Corporal Karin Safia, is the fourth generation serving in the Israel Police, currently stationed in the Western Galilee district. She was the only Arab woman in her police training class and is also studying law, expressing a strong commitment to her police career.
Haifa District Commander Chief Superintendent Yehiel Bohadana praised the Safia family as a symbol of dedication and service to the state, highlighting their multigenerational contribution and the upcoming enlistment of another family member for national service. The Safia family story reflects deep-rooted loyalty and a call for mutual trust and cooperation between the police and Arab citizens in Israel.
