Arab town plans big celebration for Israel's Independence Day
by Arab town plans big celebration for Israel's
Sunday, Feb. 03, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Arab town plans big celebration for Israel's Independence Day
Shfaram mayor decides to include his town in festivities for Israel's
60th anniversary; says 'we feel we are a part of Israel, we don't want
our children to hate country' Sharon Roffe-Ofir Published: 02.01.08
Israel News
Unlike most of the Arab sector, the Arab town of Shfaram has decided to
take part in Israel's celebrations of its 60th anniversary this year,
and hold ceremonies to mark the occasion.
The town's mayor Ursan Yassin and other local officials met with members
of the state committee in charge of the celebrations Thursday to discuss
the nature of the festivities to be held in town. Yassin recently
spoke with the committee chairman, Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balila, and
stressed to her that while many in the Arab community felt unconnected
to the historic date, Shfaram had no plans to be left out of the party.
Yassin told the committee that he objected to the incitement against the
state among the Arab sector. "This is our country and we completely
disapprove of the statements made by the Higher Monitoring Committee. I
want to hold a central ceremony in Shfaram, raise all the flags and have
a huge feast. "The 40,000 residents of Shfaram feel that they are a
part of the State of Israel," Yassin added. "The desire to participate
in the festivities is shared by most of the residents." The mayor
stated, "We will not raise our children to hate the country. This is our
country and we want to live in coexistence with its Jewish residents."
The committee members praised Yassin's words and vowed to include the
town in plans for the state-wide events, including a traveling exhibit
featuring Israel's achievement in the 60 years since its inception.
Minister Avraham-Balila also lauded Yassin's "courageous statements,
saying it was time for the leaders of Israel's Arab community "to
express what a large part of their public feels." The 60th anniversary
events "are an excellent opportunity to emphasize the unifying aspects
shared by all sectors in the country," she added.
