Arab Harassment of Students at Hebrew University Grows

The Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee convened a discussion of the daily harassment by local Arabs of students on roads leading to the university buildings.

MKs were told of rock and firebomb attacks, as well as attacks on vehicles, and that female students in particular were targeted.

The discussion was initiated by MK Yariv Levine (Likud-Beiteinu), and presided over by MK David Tzur (Movement), a former Israel Police general.

Levine said that Arabs from the nearby village of Isawiya are “apparently” responsible for the violence, and that the village has become “ex-territorial.”

He declared: “It is time to put an end to this phenomenon. Security must be increased, we have to go into the village and restore order. If necessary, it might be a good idea to put a checkpoint at the entrance to the village and check those who go out.”

MK Issawi Frej (Meretz) said that both Jews and Arabs are suffering from the situation, adding that his own daughter, who studies at the university, has been victimized.

Hebrew University’s security officer confirmed that the problem was as described, and that the university invests heavily in security, but cannot operate outside the campus.

Brig. Gen Amnon Alkalai, commander of the police’s Tzion Precinct, said that there had been 119 property crimes and 45 violence crimes at the campus area this year. He said that the police are aware of the situation and is working through the village mukhtar and has 90 volunteers policing the area near the university and at French Hill.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the December 19th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.