Arab Israeli Lawyer Demands Action on Rising Violence
Lawyer Ali Adnan Barakat has penned a strong critique of the Palestinian Arab community's response to escalating crime and violence within Israel, arguing that mere condemnation and condolences are insufficient. He draws a stark contrast between the swift police response to crimes in the Jewish Israeli community and what he perceives as slow, ineffective investigations into crimes affecting Arab citizens, leading to a sense of unequal treatment.
Barakat calls for tangible action, demanding security, justice, and a police force that fulfills its duty without discrimination. He emphasizes that the lives of Arab citizens are as valuable as those of Jewish citizens and that their right to security is not a favor. He specifically targets the Follow-up Committee for Arab Affairs in Israel, urging it to move beyond statements of condemnation and develop a clear action plan. This plan should include sustained political, legal, and media pressure, along with rigorous monitoring of police performance in every crime within the Arab community.
Local authority heads and municipal council members are also urged not to limit themselves to post-crime condemnatory statements. Barakat advocates for them to summon police leaders, demand clear answers on investigations, ensure follow-up until perpetrators are caught, and hold accountable any party found negligent. He stresses the significant political, economic, and social power of the nearly two million-strong Arab population in Israel, asserting that true strength lies in unified, organized, and effective action.
Barakat suggests coordinating with professional unions and bodies to organize legal and well-considered protest actions, potentially including a limited general or sectoral strike. The goal, he states, is to send a clear message to the state that enough is enough, advocating for a state of law that applies equally to all and a police force that protects everyone.
As a lawyer and member of the Umm al-Fahm municipality, Barakat declares that continuing with just statements is no longer acceptable. He warns that if serious, unified, and tangible action is not taken, a new, youth-led leadership must emerge to prioritize human protection and utilize all legal and peaceful means to stop the bloodshed. He concludes by urging immediate action, emphasizing that the issue is a community-wide crisis and that delaying only increases the cost in human lives.
