the difficulties of Arab citizens of the Jewish state in participating in demonstrations against the war in Gaza

Israeli Arabs are largely absent from the demonstrations which take place every week in Israel for the return of hostages and against the conflict in Gaza.

Can Israeli Arabs express their opposition to the war? Can they say they are in solidarity with Gaza? Like every Saturday since October 7, demonstrations are planned in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for the return of the hostages and an end to the conflict. But in these gatherings, Israeli Arabs are non-existent and permits to organize demonstrations in Arab towns are very difficult to obtain from the police.

Haifa, in the north of the country, is a city symbol of coexistence between the two peoples. Akram, met in a tobacco shop, assures him: he is free to demonstrate for the return of the hostages and against the government. “There are demonstrations all the time in this square or in Ben Gurion Street for a ceasefire, peace, the return of the hostages. The police keep an eye on order and there has never been a issue”, he assures. Free to express themselves on the conflict, this is also confirmed by a fruit and vegetable seller who nevertheless does not wish to talk about this subject at the franceinfo microphone.

But this feeling of freedom, Mohamed, aged around twenty and sitting at a sandwich shop on the same street, does not share it. “They’re not going to tell you it’s not okay, because they’re afraid.”, assures the young man. He does not participate in any gatherings.

“We are not demonstrating because it will create problems for us.”

Mohamed, a resident of Haifa

at franceinfo

“If we get arrested it could have consequences on our studies, or if we take out a mortgage. And we won’t be released easily, whereas a Jew will be. The Arabs are opposed to the war but that’s not the case. is not something that we will say in public or in the streets We rather use social networks. This is where I express my opposition.confides Mohamed.

Last October, after an unauthorized demonstration in support of Gaza, Israeli police chief Kobi Shabtai threatened Israeli Arabs with “make buses available to them if they want to return to Gaza.” “People were arrested, they were prosecuted because they demonstrated, so they learned their lesson and don’t go out anymore”, says a man before disappearing into a restaurant. Isaak is the owner of the establishment. “For me, it’s firstly because I’m very busy, but it’s also because I don’t want to be seen in demonstrations. I welcome everyone, I respect everyone. I can’t not take a stand”confides the restaurateur.

“Anyway, from what I see in the protests, the police don’t distinguish between a Jew or an Arab. They arrest everyone, they beat everyone.”

Isaak, restaurateur in Haifa

at franceinfo

Unfortunately, this is the police we have now. She behaves with all citizens in the same way. But it’s true that generally there is a little more violence against Arabs.”he testifies.

The NGO Mossawa – “equality” in Arabic – notes for its part an increase in “systemic discrimination” against Arab citizens of Israel since the war, such as arrests and even attacks.