Social workers protest nationwide over escalating violence in Arab municipalities

Histadrut stands in solidarity with social workers demanding immediate government action to curb rising crime

In a unified and urgent protest, the Union of Social Workers, the Forum of Welfare Department Directors for the Arab Population, and the Organization of Welfare Service Directors in Local Authorities have announced a two-hour nationwide work stoppage. Today, Tuesday (May 14), from 10:00 to 12:00, all social services departments across Israel will close their doors to the public, as professionals protest the alarming rise in violence against social workers, particularly in Arab municipalities.

The immediate trigger for the protest was a violent attack on Monday night, in which the car and home of the Director of Social Services in the Ar’ara Local Council were shot at near her residence. This brazen act is just the latest in a series of violent incidents. Only two weeks ago, the Director of Social Services in Kabul was also targeted.

The organizations leading the protest warn of a broader pattern: “Social workers, particularly in Arab local authorities, are increasingly vulnerable to threats, intimidation, and direct violence—often from service recipients connected to criminal families and organizations.”

They place the blame squarely on systemic government neglect. “The worsening crime epidemic in Arab society is a direct result of the Israeli government’s failure to address the phenomenon with a clear and effective national plan,” they stated. “We expect an immediate change in policy and the launch of well-resourced and structured programs to combat crime and protect public service providers.”

The protestors further emphasized that it is not only the social workers who are in danger, but also their families, service recipients, and ordinary citizens. “A social worker will pay with her life. Her family will pay with their lives. Welfare recipients and uninvolved civilians will pay with their lives. This is a red line.”

The Histadrut fully supports the protest and reiterates its demand that the government prioritize the personal security of social workers across all sectors. “The state has a moral and legal obligation to protect those who dedicate their lives to serving vulnerable populations. The continued abandonment of their safety is unacceptable.”