Islamic Movement compensates Akko residents

Leaders of movement's northern branch divide $77,000 among 17 families whose homes were damaged during Yom Kippur riots, but say they don't believe this should exempt State from its 'moral obligations towards citizens'Leaders of the Islamic Movement's Northern Branch on Wednesday decided to compensate the Arab residents of Akko whose homes were damaged in the Yom Kippur riots. During a meeting in the Old City the leaders divided over $77,000 among 17 families in order to assist them in repairing the damage to their homes.

Deputy director of the northern branch, Sheikh Kamal Khatib, told the families that "just as Jews can live anywhere they wish, so can Arabs, and we will not allow a few people who think this is solely a Jewish country to ruin that."


He added that "Akko was a Muslim Arab city before (its) mayor was even born. We will not agree to a second Nakba." Khatib was responding to a speech made by Akko Mayor Shimon Lankry during the city's Simchat Torah festivities, in which he said that "Akko was always ours and will remain ours forever and ever."


Khatib retaliated by stating, "What the mayor said allows those same bullies that acted out on the holiday eve to repeat their actions. I say to the mayor – Akko was a Muslim Arab city before its mayor was born. If he wants to stay 'Ahalan Wa Sahalan,' and if not, he can get out."


Two days after the riots broke out the Islamic Movement issued a statement promising compensation to families whose homes were damaged. The funds were gathered at local mosques, where worshippers were asked to donate to the cause.


"We are doing this out of faith because it is our way, but that doesn't mean it's a substitute for the moral obligations of the State and the municipality towards these citizens," said Sheikh Mohammad Moadi, who heads the northern branch. "Our people have to know that we support them. They are not alone."

The families whose homes were damaged expressed their anger at the municipality's conduct after the latter ordered them to vacate the hotels in which they have been residing over the past two weeks, and return to their homes.


"We are in very real danger, but considering their offer to put us up in a two-bedroom apartment maybe we are better off going back home," said Mediha Ramal, resident of Akko.