Several dozen residents of the Gush Etzion "capital" of Efrat, about 15 minutes south of Jerusalem, held a demonstration in the town’s municipal building this morning, demanding that Arab workers be barred from entering the community. The Efrat town council recently voted to allow Arab workers back into Efrat, but only in certain areas and under constant supervision. But this decision has not been implemented at all, says Efrat resident and protest organizer Josh Adler, and Arab laborers freely roam the streets with no restrictions.
Adler told Arutz-7 today that the residents demand that Arabs not be allowed in under any conditions. However, he said, “even if the municipality would stick to their decision [and allow Arabs in under strict conditions], at least then we would have somewhat of a sense of security. But now we are afraid. Our children are starting school... and they will be walking around in the streets while Arabs are walking around freely, unsupervised.” He noted that Efrat has experienced two "miracles" already in the past few months - a suicide terrorist in a crowded supermarket who wounded only one resident, and another suicide bomber who seriously wounded one teenager at the town's entrance - and "we are not interested in depending on further miracles." Adler said that the town's mayor showed no sympathy for the residents' demands.
Adler told Arutz-7 today that the residents demand that Arabs not be allowed in under any conditions. However, he said, “even if the municipality would stick to their decision [and allow Arabs in under strict conditions], at least then we would have somewhat of a sense of security. But now we are afraid. Our children are starting school... and they will be walking around in the streets while Arabs are walking around freely, unsupervised.” He noted that Efrat has experienced two "miracles" already in the past few months - a suicide terrorist in a crowded supermarket who wounded only one resident, and another suicide bomber who seriously wounded one teenager at the town's entrance - and "we are not interested in depending on further miracles." Adler said that the town's mayor showed no sympathy for the residents' demands.