Shfaram marks 2005 terror attack

In rally commemorating death of four Israeli Arabs at the hands of army defector Eden Natan Zada, Balad MK Jamal Zahalka says 'unless culture that allows spilling of Arab blood is treated, the next massacre is on its way'
Hagai Einav|
About a thousand residents of the Arab town of Shfaram marched on Saturday to commemorate the victims of the 2005 terror attack in which army deserter Eden Natan Zada opened fire aboard a bus in the town, killing four.
Shortly after the attack, Natan Zada was lynched by the angry mob.
The march was carried peacefully, and ended in a rally at the monument for the victims of the attack.
The march was lead by MKs Jamal Zahalka (Balad) Muhammad Barakeh (Hadash) and Abas Zkoor (United Arab List-Ta'al).
The participants of the march called for the charges against the seven suspects in Natan Zada's death to be dropped.
During the march, a 16-year-old and 18-year-old were detained for disrupting order and attempting to set fire to the Israeli flag.
Speaking at the rally, MK Zahalka said, "The most serious problem is that the anti-Arab racism from which Natan Zada sprung and grew continues to exist, to spread, and raise more people like him. If such a person shows up in an Arab community and begin killing and murdering, we will reserve our right to defend ourselves, and his fate will be similar to Natan Zada's.
"The Israeli politicians who condemned the murder and the massacre did not say a single word about the circumstances and reasons that led to that massacre. Natan Zada did not come from Mars, but he was raised in and affected by a certain atmosphere and political culture that allows the spilling of Arab blood.
"If this is not treated, the next massacre is already on its way. Especial when the establishment itself describes the Arab citizens as a strategic threat. Therefore, many may think that this 'threat' should be dealt with, and will not be deterred from committing insane acts such as Natan Zada's."
Nineteen-year-old Natan Zada, who carried out the attack in his IDF uniform, was said to be an insubordinate soldier who refused to take part in the disengagement and was declared a defector just two months before the attack.
Roee Nahmias contributed to this report
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