Last week's heavy flood disaster, in which he lost his life in Nahariya, revealed not only infrastructure and planning problems in Israel, but also the real, everyday life of Jews and Arabs in the Galilee.
The Arab "tractorists", heavy tool operators from the Arab localities near Nahariya, got on their tractors and came, on their own initiative, to help and help the city's residents. Nobody demanded it, and the rescue officials did not call them. They simply came out to help members in trouble, and this solidarity mobilization contributed to saving lives, rescuing residents who were stuck in floods and opening traffic jams.
For all the residents of the Galilee, Jews as Arabs, it is not strange that an Arab will come to the aid of a Jew or vice versa. There are many Arab localities around Nahariya, whose connection to the city is daily; Liaison of livelihood, consumption of various services and entertainment. For the generation that was born and raised near the establishment of the state, Nahariya was a source of livelihood. For the second and third generation, Nahariya is the closest town to a village, a place of work, shopping and entertainment - and there are quite a few who consider it a real estate investment destination.
The heavy tool operators were quickly harnessed with an instinctive sense of local solidarity, but also because of their personal acquaintance with many of the residents of Nahariya or the nearby moshavim and kibbutzim. Despite the rift that interested politicians are widening, the mutual guarantee and harnessing of aid between Jews and Arabs in the Galilee region are strong and felt. Arabs and Jews are involved in this life in every field. For example, look at the government hospital in Nahariya, Galilee Medical Center. Jews are being treated by an Arab medical team - or vice versa, and the center itself is managed by an Arab doctor, Dr. Restaur Barham.
For many years, Nahariya led the right-wing people, especially national Likud and religious representatives, but unlike some of the right-wing seniors, they were not seen in statements against the Arab public and never described him as a threat. On the contrary, they fostered excellent relations with the residents of the Arab Galilee.
The Galilee region, with its localities and villages, can give an important lesson to state leaders and Knesset members. An important lesson in co-existence, tolerance and mutual assistance. Who once warned that "the Arabs are flocking" came to Nahariya this week and saw with his own eyes the right, beautiful side of the Arab citizens of the country, who rushed to help and help the Jewish neighbors from a place of genuine concern and genuine concern for their lives, and without dealing with whether the casualties were Jewish or Arab.
There is no doubt that there are also problems and frictions on ideological and political grounds, and historical charges. But humanity is manifested in the difficult moments. There are social problems and security threats in the Galilee, and there are disadvantaged populations, both Jews and Arabs. After all, its inhabitants are committed to coexistence. In contrast to the picture that emerges from the conflicting and polarizing political discourse, the images you have seen from its leaders reflect the reality much more.