Another night of gunfire in Umm al-Fahm
When will residents of Israel's Arab towns be able to stop worrying about extreme violence in their neighborhoods? Friday saw another evening in which ceaseless gunshots could be heard.
Aisha, a resident of Umm al-Fahm, said, "Tonight we were scared to leave home due to the shooting. We couldn't sleep. It was very frightening. We felt like we were at war. I don't know when they'll stop this and stop the criminals who are putting our lives at risk. This shooting reaches homes and cars and could easily hurt residents. It happens almost every night. If those responsible remain silent, it's obvious people will later say the writing was on the wall."
Ahmad Mahmid, another resident of the town, said he is considering moving. "It's very dangerous to stay in Umm al-Fahm because of the shooting. The shooters even take pride in their actions, and we are fed up. I don't want to wait, because maybe me or my family members will become shooting victims. This country is leaving us behind. Everyone sees the danger and disregards the matter. They think they're in a movie."
In just the past two weeks, five people have been shot to death in Arab-Israeli towns.
"As part of the process, which is still ongoing and will continue strongly, there have been community policing centers established inside the villages and municipal police (stations) in cities… A plan to recruit police officers from the Arab sector and the recruitment of volunteers from the sector has been increased…. Recently, a (special department) has been active, aimed at promoting policing in the Arab sector and developing and making accessible police services to the sector.
