Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., February 28, 2008 Adar1 22, 5768 | | Israel Time: 10:05 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 21:53 12/02/2008 Peki'in house rented to Jew set on fire as deterrent to other Jews By Jack Khoury, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: arson, israel, arabs, peki'in 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. Advertisement "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. Related articles: Peki`in officials demand commission of inquiry into clashes In bid to calm tensions, Jewish community heads visit Peki'in Senior police officer: Cops didn't enter Druze prayer hall in Peki'in More Jewish World news and features Bookmark to del.icio.us   Deadly shelling B'Tselem slams IDF decision not to indict troops over errant strike that left 21 civilians dead. Reaching boiling point Gaza residents are told to boil drinking water as purifying chlorine runs out.   1.   Living together 07:05  |  Ethan 12/02/08   2.   Internal time bomb 07:28  |  Ruth Broch 12/02/08   3.   Zionism equals racism???? 07:43  |  Ariel 12/02/08   4.   Agree With # 2 08:18  |  Ron 12/02/08   5.   The Jews pay for the arrogance of Israel 10:16  |  Lin Piao Chou 12/02/08   6.   Typical, then they accuse Jews of Racism for being Worried 10:27  |  Efox 12/02/08   7.   "Druze head" knows exactly who`s behind and condons it 12:18  |  Absolute Sweden 12/02/08   8.   Peking is not Jewish!!! 13:36  |  A Crazy Settler 12/02/08   9.   re #2 `Internal timebomb.` 23:12  |  Colin Wright 21/02/08   10.   re: Colin Wright 08:14  |  Efox 28/02/08

Today Online IDF kills six militants during operations in W. Bank and Gaza Responses: 15 Editorial: A massive invasion of Gaza is not unavoidable Responses: 1 Reuven Pedatzur: Iran's great nuclear victory Send response Pro-Israel evangelical leader Hagee endorses McCain Responses: 11 Gov't: We didn't know Shabbat bus services would be canceled Send response Rosner's Domain Can Obama restore the Black-Jewish alliance? Why is Farrakhan the litmus test for black politicians? (WTR) Would Obama be supportive of an Israel governed by Likud? Poll: Is it time for Israel to end the blockade in Gaza? Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for a Bomb by Year's End (WTR) More Headlines 09:34 IDF kills six militants during operations in W. Bank and Gaza 09:34 PM: We'll fight Gaza militants until security returns to south 10:05 U.S. pro-Israel evangelical leader Hagee endorses McCain 06:45 Hamas response / Calculated escalation 09:45 Gov't: We didn't know Shabbat bus services would be canceled 09:59 Ban backs Wiesenthal Center's call for UN session on terror 08:22 U.S. Haredim investing heavily in Tel Aviv real estate 10:03 Shas demands it be given Knesset Finance C'tee chairmanship 09:07 Find yourself and your friends on a WeFi WiFi map 09:23 U.S. Jews' opposition holds up JA deal with Christian group 05:14 Decorated IDF officer accused of killing Palestinian in 'vendetta' Previous Editions Select Day 27 feb 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 22 feb 21 feb 20 feb 19 feb 18 feb 17 feb 15 feb 14 feb

Special Offers Advertisement Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. 7589 rockets fired so far HELP US TO HELP THEM Marina Royale Herzelia Pituach Your Luxurious Suite While Staying in Israel Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved