Extremists Torch Bedouin Tent in West Bank

Image by Getty Images
A tent in a West Bank Bedouin village was set on fire in a suspected arson attack.
The tent in a village located north of Ramallah, which was used for storage and unoccupied at the time of the fire, was burned completely early Thursday morning, according to reports.
Graffiti spray painted on a rock near the burned-down tent included a Star of David and the words “administrative revenge,” which could refer to the recent administrative detention orders for three suspected Jewish extremists. Under administrative detention, prisoners can remain in custody for up to six months without a hearing or charges, renewable indefinitely. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners remain in administrative detention in Israeli prisons.
The suspected extremists were arrested after the July 31 arson attack on a West Bank Palestinian home that left a baby and his father dead. The West Bank village of Duma, where the attack occurred, is located about 3 miles from the Bedouin village where Thursday’s attack took place.
Later on Thursday, three Jewish youth reportedly were arrested in the area in connection with the attack. The youths’ car also was seized and they were prohibited from meeting with an attorney.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
