Arabs mark Kfar Kassem massacre anniversary

MKs, Arab leaders and some Jews remember those killed by Border Police officers 54 years ago, call out against current government's 'racist discourse'

Sharon Roffe-Ofir|Published: 10.29.10 , 11:34

Hundreds of people gathered in Kfar Kassem Friday morning to mark the 54th anniversary of the massacre which took place in the Arab village.

"Unfortunately, the anniversary of the massacre is relevant more than ever before. The idea of a (population) transfer, which was the guiding principle of the massacre, has become the official discourse of the Israeli government," Knesset Member Mohammad Barakeh told Ynet.

The massacre was carried out by Israeli Border Police officers and resulted in the death of 49 Arab civilians.

During the memorial service, MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) referred to the controversial loyalty oath, saying, "Our weapon is our loyalty to our homeland and clinging to the land. Jews must join our fight against racism for the sake of democracy and equality."

MK Barakeh added, "We sense the danger but do not fear the racists. We will defeat them one day."

Friday's rally, held just two days after a rightist march in Umm al-Fahm triggered Arab riots in the northern town, was attended by Arab lawmakers, leaders of the Israeli-Arab community and a number of Jews, who called out against "fascism" and the government's "violent and racist discourse."

The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee called for a city-wide strike in Umm al-Fahm in condemnation of "excessive police violence" during the rioting.