In response to what they say is an Arab takeover of Jewish neighborhoods in Haifa, Akko and Upper Nazareth, officials from the National Union will tour the areas in the coming weeks. A visit was to have been held today (Sunday), but was postponed at the last minute.
Over the past two years, National Union has stepped up its emphasis on the plight of Jewish citizens of mixed towns such as Haifa, Akko, Carmiel, Jaffa and Lod – who have been fleeing the towns as a hostile local Arab population increases.
Residents who met with MK Uri Ariel complained of physical violence, verbal attacks, anti-Jewish graffiti, vandalism, sexual harassment and assault of young Jewish women. The residents say they are forced out of the neighborhood, selling their property at a huge loss as the areas become hotbeds of crime and drugs.
During a tour the National Union officials carried out in Upper Nazareth last month, it was discovered that the formerly mixed neighborhoods in the town have become almost exclusively Arab. For example, in the old “B’nei Beitcha” neighborhood, out of 56 villas, only five remain in Jewish hands. Similar figures were noted in Haifa’s traditionally mixed neighborhoods.
MK Ariel says National Union is preparing a plan of action to encourage the repopulating of the cities and will submit to the relevant government ministries programs to encourage young couples, students and established communities to once again purchase homes in the cities. The plan also includes organized tours, young activities and cultural events to increase tourism to the towns.