Tradition of killing
Why won't Israel prosecute "family killing" murderers?
A few weeks ago the body of 23-year-old Samar Hasoun, from Shfaram, was found lying in a field just outside of town.
Israeli arrogance
Ala Hlehel
Muslim, Christian holidays in Israel nothing more than campaign opportunity for politicians
An initial investigation pointed to yet another "family honor" killing.
Following the killing, a member of the Shfaram city council was thus quoted in the Arabic-language el-Medina newspaper: "I think every mistake leads to certain results, and the mistake this girl made was very, very serious. This was an appropriate result for this action."
The reason? "Every community has its laws, and this victim carried on with no consideration for the laws that govern this society; life has its own order, and we cannot tolerate a situation of chaos."
To my great sorrow, this is not the first time an Arab woman has been killed for violating the norms of her society.
But its not every day that a public official goes on record to justify the murder of women. The counselor's statements reflect the views of many Palestinian Arabs in this country.
Relying on good graces
It is no secret that the lives of many Arab women hang solely on the good graces of Arab men; the smallest "offenses" having anything at all to do with "morals" or "degrading Arab honor" are routinely met with violence.
Cold-blooded, pre-meditated murder is considered an entirely realistic option, together with banishment, physical punishment and occasionally divorce.
Those forced to flee their homes sometimes take refuge in battered-women's' shelters, but these are becoming a rarity: Two of them, one in Shfaram, and one in Acco, closed this year, one because of "lack of funds," the other because of the incredible claim that "the neighbors didn't like it (the shelter)."
No law, judge
The Shfaram city counselor's words illustrate the seriousness of this problem, and raise the feeling that there is no law and no judge.
But Arab leaders were unmoved by the murder, Arab and non-Arab feminist groups made due with half-hearted denunciations. The story didn't make the news, and it's unlikely the attorney general even knows about it.
As far as I know, statements praising or excusing murder are considered incitement and must be investigated. But the police and state prosecutor are more likely to treat the incident with silk gloves than to press charges; that is to say, "It's not our issue. Let the Arab dignitaries solve the problem."
Jewish, Arab murders
Claims and justifications such as "it is the unique characteristic of a traditional Arab society" are a toy in the hands of a murderer.
And there is a sharp distinction between murders such as this in Arab society and between similar incidents in Jewish society; when a Jew kills his wife, it's considered an individual, private act, stemming from jealousy or "temporary romantic blindness".
But when an Arab man murders his wife or sister, he is acting within a cultural and legal framework, and therefore his personal responsibility is not considered decisive.
Every time the authorities "go easy" on these people is a signal of institutional forgiveness that tries "not to get involved with internal Arab issues."
Cultural arrogance
And the rare times when Israeli authorities are forced to act against Arab criminals, it does so – with cultural arrogance.
The men who know they will get off easy for murder, or be able to capitalize on arrogant Jewish mercy and "consideration" would not hesitate to give up several years of life for the guys in the neighborhood to think he's a "real man", a source of pride for the whole clan.
The city counselor urges forgiveness and understanding for murder by trying to explain away the "laws" that he himself made up, or that he believes in.
Law-abiding country
The last time I checked, the state of Israel still tries to present itself as a law-abiding country, and one will find nothing in the law books specifying religion-specific laws.
There will surely be some who will scream and shout: Israel is sticking its nose in our affairs!!
But from my perspective, let them shout – if it prevents the next murder.
Every woman has an absolute right to control her body and her feelings, without regard for social or cultural norms.
And those who cross the red line can rot in jail.
Ala Hlehel is a writer and journalist
