The Israel Police and the Ministry of Interior, through the Directorate for Special Tasks and the Department of Religious Communities, held a special conference yesterday (Monday) in Shfaram for religious leaders and public figures from the Arab society, with the aim of strengthening the joint discourse on dealing with violence and crime in Arab society and promoting community cooperation.
The conference was attended by religious leaders, alongside senior command staff of the Israel Police – Police Commissioner R.N.C. Danny Levy, Commissioner Meir Eliyahu, Commander of the Northern District, Commissioner Yehiel Bohdana, Commander of the Coastal District, Commissioner Meni Benjamin, Commander of Lahav 433, Commissioner Boaz Balat, Head of the Central Investigations Division, Commissioner Maoz Ben Shabo, in charge of crime in Arab society, T.N.C. Sigal Toledo, Head of the Communities and Volunteers Division, Police Rabbi N.C.M. Rami Brachiahu, and representatives from the Ministry of Interior.
During the meeting, an open discussion was held on the role of religious and community leaders in increasing the sense of personal security and strengthening values of tolerance and mutual respect.
Israel Police Commissioner, R.N.C. Danny Levy: “Our role is to ensure that every person can practice their faith in security and dignity. We will act with sensitivity, responsibility, and discretion, especially during this sensitive and complex period. Alongside respect for the month of Ramadan, we will not allow violence, disturbances of the peace, incitement, or harm to innocent people. We draw a clear distinction between law-abiding citizens and extremist elements who try to exploit the period to ignite the area.”
“Crime in Arab society is an enemy of the Arab public; it harms families, children, and the personal security of each and every one of you. Those who possess weapons, shoot, extort, and threaten do not represent the community and the religion. I have instructed the police districts to receive all the forces, means, and resources necessary to enable a determined, continuous, and effective fight and to increase the sense of security of the citizens.
“We are there day and night – but the police alone cannot win. We see you as key partners in maintaining peace, public order, and the security of worshippers. You have immense power: not through force – but through words, guidance, condemnation of crime, and moral authority. When the community mobilizes, criminals weaken. We will act with determination against criminals, but at the same time, we will build trust with the normative public. The main measure of success in the struggle is the level of trust of the Arab public in the Israel Police.”
“I wish you all a Ramadan Kareem, a month of blessing, tranquility, and success.”
Lior Shahar, Director of the Directorate for Special Tasks at the Ministry of Interior: “Imams play a central and significant role in the daily lives of the community. Beyond religious leadership, they serve as key figures in guiding public discourse, supporting families, mediating, and strengthening the sense of responsibility and social cohesion. The activity of the Department for Non-Jewish Communities in the Ministry of Interior is based on a perception that sees religious leaders as natural partners in public and community action. The Ministry continuously works to strengthen the connection with imams, promote professional training, and build cooperation mechanisms, understanding that responsible community leadership is an important component of social resilience and tension reduction. We will continue to work together for the benefit of the community and society as a whole.”
Director of the Department of Communities at the Ministry of Interior, Col. (Res.) Iyad Sarhan: “The Ministry of Interior, through the Department for Non-Jewish Communities, works to strengthen cooperation with the Israel Police through regular coordination and dialogue mechanisms. Cooperation between religious leadership and law enforcement agencies is a central component in strengthening personal security and community resilience, while maintaining mutual respect for the fabric of life of every community. We see these meetings as a basis for joint and effective action.”