Last update - 00:00 12/02/2008
Peki'in house rented to Jew set on fire as deterrent to other Jews
By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent
A house in Peki'in rented out to a Jew was set ablaze Monday in what police believe was intended as a warning to Jews to stay out of the largely Israeli Arab town. Anti-Semitism watchdog, the Anti-Defamation League has condemned the attack and commended police for treating it seriously.
"Perpetrators of such hate crimes send a message to their victims ? and everyone else who shares the victim's characteristics ? that Jews in this mixed village are not welcome or safe," an ADL statement said.
The two-story house, which is located next to the Peki'in's ancient synagogue, was rented out to Naftali Friedman, who intended to open a guest house on its premises.
"I've never had any problems with the local residents," said Friedman, from the nearby town of Maalot. "I am not involved in any political movement and I just thought it would be a good idea that could promote tourism in the town."
The northern town of Peki'in, which has been home to a mixed community of Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze for hundreds of years, was shaken by riots last October in which Jewish property was damaged.
Friedman arrived at the house Monday after he was told by the contractor renovating it that it had been sabotaged. He found a number of tires and plastic tubes had been set on fire and thrown into the building. Despite the damage, Friedman said he would not be deterred and would continue to renovate the house.
Former Peki'in mayor and municipal council member Salah Hir condemned the attack and said he believed "most of the residents oppose what had happened.
"No doubt, criminals are trying to hide behind what happened here a few months ago and incite hatred," he explained. "Damage of property is aimed not just against Jews. Druze and Christian families have been targeted as of late and so we will work with the police to expel these elements."
A local policeman said there were no suspects at the moment but that they expect to call people for interrogation in the following weeks. Since the riots, a number of attacks on Jewish property have been reported, including cars being set on fire and flower pots smashed at the entrance to homes.
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