“We Will Not Be Silent”: Mass Protest in Sakhnin Against Crime and Extortion in Arab Society

The protest against rampant crime, violence and extortion in Arab society reached a peak on Thursday night, as an estimated 50,000 people gathered in Sakhnin for what organizers described as an unprecedented demonstration.

“The time has come to be strong — and not to remain silent about any harm done to us,” said Ali Zabidat, a Sakhnin resident and one of the leaders of the grassroots struggle against protection rackets and criminal violence.
“There has never been a demonstration like this before. People came from all over the country because they saw this as an opportunity to cry out against crime.”

Strike to Continue: ‘We Will Not Return Until the Shooting Stops’

Alongside the protest, businesses, schools and public institutions in Sakhnin remained closed for a fourth consecutive day, with local leaders announcing that the strike would continue at least until Saturday.

Business owners said they would later decide on further steps.
“We will not return to routine until the shooting stops,” they declared.

The strike was launched in response to repeated shootings at businesses, homes and vehicles, as well as extortion attempts and death threats by criminal organizations demanding protection money.

Bereaved Families Speak Out: ‘Our Pain Never Ends’

During the demonstration, Sajda Abu Saleh, a Sakhnin resident, held a photograph of her son Ali, who was murdered two years ago.

“Our pain still accompanies us,” she said tearfully. “Our lives have been turned upside down by sorrow and tears since my son was taken from us. To this day, we do not know why he was murdered — but we know who was behind it. The police say they don’t know.”

“This struggle should have begun long ago, before hundreds were murdered,” she added. “I have worn black clothes since my son was killed, and I will not change them until justice is done.”

Hamada Masarwa from Kafr Qara carried a photo of his relative Suleiman Masarwa, murdered five years ago.
“He wasn’t just my cousin — he was a friend and a brother,” he said. “This demonstration gives us a voice, but the fight must continue everywhere.”

Another protester from the Galilee, who also lost her son to gun violence, said:
“My son was murdered in cold blood. His children still ask when he will come back. I came here to cry out and to speak for my son who can no longer speak.”

‘We Live in Fear’: Anger Directed at Government and Police

Ali Mahmid from Umm al-Fahm said the demonstration was meant to send a clear message.
“We will not remain silent. If necessary, we will block main roads. We don’t care about arrests or intimidation — because if we do nothing, the government will continue to be reckless and negligent.”

Miriam Masarwa from Taiba described daily life as living “in a state of terror.”
“There is no security even inside our homes,” she said, sharply criticizing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
“During his tenure, more than 670 people have been murdered. Instead of fighting crime, he is engaging in public relations at the expense of Arab blood.”

She warned that women would also take to the streets if necessary, “even if the police beat us.”

Professionals Join Protest; ‘Blacklist’ Sparks Controversy

Among the demonstrators were doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and engineers, many of whom had been on strike earlier in the day before joining the rally.

At the same time, a controversial online ‘blacklist’ circulated, naming men allegedly involved in extortion, shootings and drug trafficking. Several individuals named on the list denied any involvement.

Ben Gvir Accuses Arab Leaders of ‘Hypocrisy’

In response to the demonstrations, Minister Ben Gvir accused Arab leaders of “speaking with two voices.”

“On the one hand they protest crime, on the other they petition the courts to limit police activity in Arab communities,” he said.
“I tell those leaders to stop the hypocrisy. We are working against crime — you should not interfere.”

Political Fallout: Strengthening Arab Unity, Fuel for Likud Campaign

The events have also reverberated politically. The emerging unity among Arab lawmakers is seen as potentially reshaping the political map, with past vote fragmentation — particularly among smaller Arab parties — expected to diminish.

At the same time, the protests provided ammunition for the Likud, which continues to argue that a future left-wing government would rely on Arab parties, despite repeated denials from opposition leaders.