Police chief visits Umm al-Fahm amid spike in violence
As violence and shootings on the rise in the Arab sector, police commissioner Alsheikh visits Umm al-Fahm, but doesn't meet with residents; 'He needs to know we're not feeling safe, and that the police are unable to stop the shootings,' says one resident; meanwhile, only 2 recent murders in Arab sector end with indictments, with 4 other cases still open.
Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh visited Umm al-Fahm last week amid growing violence in the city. But while he saw the new police station and met with Mayor Khaled Hamdan Aghbariyya and senior officials at the police station, he did not meet with any of the residents.
"The police must do its job to eradicate the shootings, violence and crime and be present on roads and in neighborhoods to create a sense of security among the residents. We hope this presence continues, and won't just be for a short period of time," the mayor said during the meeting.
In his visit, Alsheikh noted the need to increase the number of police officers and police activity in the city so residents could feel safe.
However, since the police chief's visit, three residents have been shot in Umm al-Fahm, with one in very serious condition and the other two in moderate and light condition respectively.
The Umm al-Fahm residents were angered by the fact they were not told of Alsheikh's visit in advance and were not invited to speak about the dangers they face.
"Had I known the police commissioner was supposed to come to Umm al-Fahm, I would've come to convey to him the real things. He needs to know we're not feeling safe, and that the police are unable to stop the shootings," said Ahmad Mahmid, one of the residents.
"Unfortunately the meeting was kept a secret and was not opened to the residents, because they know there is a serious problem here and they're not interested in hearing us out," Mahmid added. "Instead of accepting us, they ignore, and the first to ignore is the police commissioner."
He went on to assert that "if this was happening in Afula, Nazareth Illit or Tel Aviv, suspects would've been arrested and (police) would be thinking how to stop the shootings. But the Arab society is abandoned."
Violence has been rampant in the Arab city, with the latest incident taking place on Thursday night when a 38-year-old man was shot by unknown perpetrators near the main road in Umm al-Fahm. He was taken to HaEmek Medical Center in Afula in very serious condition and is fighting for his life.
Relatives said he was visiting his sister with his wife. "When they left, a man came and shot him in front of his wife and sister at short range, and then fled the scene."
"It's still unknown who tried to eliminate him and for what reason. This is a respected man who has no conflicts with others and received no threats," one relative said.
The relatives added the shooting victim is a father of five. His brother was shot to death two years ago at age 26, and his killer remains at large.
"We're suffering from the shootings that happen almost every day, and particularly at night time," an Umm al-Fahm resident said. "We don't know how long this will continue. At any moment, we could be hearing about a gunshot injury, shooting into the air, or a robbery - and there is no one to handle the matter. It's as if nothing is happening."
"The situation in the city is not simple, and it's painful," he continued. "My children start crying whenever they hear gunshots. It scares them and they stay close to us throughout the night. They're also scared to go to school because they're afraid of the shootings."
Six men have been murdered in the Arab sector since the beginning of 2018, with four of the murders still under police investigation.
Samer Awad, 33, from Yafa an-Naseriyye, was stabbed to death. Suspects have been arrested and an indictment has been filed against them. Assad Naif Amara, 55, from Zalafa, was shot to death by a relative who was arrested and charged.
However, police are still investigating the murder of four other victims: Quasi Sultan, 40, from Tira; Muhammad Masrawa, 27, from Tayibe; Rabia Farij, 29, from Kafr Qasim; and Mustafa Al-Atrash, 25, from Hura.
The Israel Police said in response, "Thanks to the determined and professional operations of the Israel Police in the city of Umm al-Fahem, there has been a significant decrease in the number of shooting incidents since the beginning of the year (compared to the same period last year).
"Every incident of violence or shooting is investigated and handled by the police, who are investing efforts and using both covert and overt measures, when in some of the recent cases suspects have already been arrested.
"As part of prevention efforts, the police are acting with determination against the phenomenon of arms possession and, indeed, thanks to intensive intelligence activity, unprecedented amounts of weapons have been seized throughout the Arab sector.
"In recent years, the Israel Police and the Ministry of Public Security have been implementing a multi-annual plan to expand police services in the Arab sector, while responding to the unique needs of Arab society, reducing crime and increasing the sense of security and trust in the police and the rule of law among citizens. The police will continue to invest efforts in the war against internal violence in the sector, despite all the difficulties, and will cooperate with any leader who will be willing to act to eradicate violence wherever it is."
