Chaya Shmuel, the head of the “Amutat Shlomit” organization for national service volunteers, has asked Public Security Minister Avi Dichter to act to eliminate threats against public service in the Arab sector.  Shmuel’s request came shortly after a group of Arab men from Bir al-Maksur physically attacked a woman who works with Arab national service volunteers. 

Several Arab Israeli community leaders, including Members of Knesset, have led public campaigns against national service in Arab communities, and have even threatened those who volunteer for national service.  National service organizations report that the number of Arab volunteers is growing despite the threats such volunteers often face.