Arabs living in eastern Jerusalem have apparently adopted a new style in clothing fashions, Israeli security officials said yesterday. Over the past several months, security officers at government institutions serving Arabs in these neighborhoods have discovered dozens of male patrons wearing knives interwoven in belts, or as part of their belt buckles.
The Arabs, who attempt to enter offices that require them to pass through metal detectors, are usually relieved of the offending weapon when the machine's alarm goes off. Police are then notified and usually issue a summons, letting the offender go.
As a result of the finds, security officials have ramped up checks at all government offices. “It seems to be particular to Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem,” one official said. “They are usually cooperative when we ask them for the knives, but when questioned, they find it surprising anyone would be worried or offended by them, claiming that carrying the weapons is just part of the local culture,” the official said.
The Arabs, who attempt to enter offices that require them to pass through metal detectors, are usually relieved of the offending weapon when the machine's alarm goes off. Police are then notified and usually issue a summons, letting the offender go.
As a result of the finds, security officials have ramped up checks at all government offices. “It seems to be particular to Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem,” one official said. “They are usually cooperative when we ask them for the knives, but when questioned, they find it surprising anyone would be worried or offended by them, claiming that carrying the weapons is just part of the local culture,” the official said.