Government official’s incitement fuels riots; Israel enforces law to protect Jews, democracy, coexistence, nationwide stability.
When a State Employee Incites Hate: Israel Draws a Red Line in Jaffa
Israeli authorities this week arrested Mohammed Mahamid, a senior Ministry of Interior employee and imam at the Nuzha Mosque in Jaffa, on charges of incitement and disturbing public order—a case that has ignited national outrage.
Mahamid was filmed during violent riots in Jaffa, actively inciting crowds and chanting racist slogans such as “With spirit and blood we will free Jaffa” and “It’s either us or us.” These are not calls for peace or coexistence—they are exclusionary, inflammatory slogans historically associated with ethnic cleansing rhetoric.
The riots followed a serious and criminal incident in which Jewish youths sprayed tear gas at a pregnant woman, an act rightly condemned by Israeli authorities. However, instead of calming tensions, Mahamid exploited the chaos, leading hundreds in a march while directing hatred explicitly against Jews, escalating violence rather than preventing it.
This distinction matters. Israel prosecutes Jewish offenders and Arab offenders alike. The rule of law is blind—but incitement from within the state itself is intolerable.
Following the riots, Shai Glick, CEO of the Betsalmo human rights organization, sent an urgent letter to the Civil Service Commission, demanding Mahamid’s immediate suspension and dismissal.
“A cleric’s role is to calm, heal, and protect the community—not to lead racist, inciting marches,” Glick wrote.
“Mahamid’s actions are a severe violation of civil service regulations.”
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that Mahamid has been summoned for an immediate disciplinary hearing, signaling that Israel will not tolerate Islamist incitement masquerading as religious leadership, especially from someone entrusted with state authority.
This case exposes a hard truth:
- Israel enforces law even when it’s politically uncomfortable
- Incitement—whether Arab or Jewish—is prosecuted
- Coexistence cannot survive when extremist clerics fuel mobs
While Palestinian leadership and radical Islamist figures often excuse or glorify violence, Israel insists on accountability, defending Jews, Arabs, and democratic order alike.
There is no room in public service for those who preach hate.
And in Israel, uniform justice is not a slogan—it is policy.
