Our story begins last year. Together with another Security Coordinator, Andrei apprehended Bedouin criminals from the squatters’ camp at Bir Hadaj and turned them over to the police.

 

The two Security Coordinators are Israel Police volunteers, and in the course of their duties they detained several suspects. The police officer who joined them issued the suspects citations for serious safety infractions and for violations of CoronaVirus regulations then in force.

 

The criminals took revenge by filing trumped up charges with the Internal Affairs Department. As a result, the two Security Coordinators’ personal firearms were impounded. Only last week, with the assistance of Regavim’s Legal Department, Andrei appealed for the return of his firearm, but his appeal was rejected on the grounds that there was “cause for concern for the public’s safety.”

 

Last night, Andrei sustained stab wounds to the arms and stomach, and was evacuated to the hospital for medical care. A second security team member, who arrived at the scene while the struggle was in progress, shot the intruder and neutralized him.

 

It’s clear beyond doubt that this brave and professional Security Coordinator is no threat to public safety; he is the protector of public safety! If the terrorist had come upon women and children rather encountering this trained and fearless man, last night would have ended in tragedy.

 

We hope that the Ministry of Public Security will come to its senses and return the Security Coordinators’ weapons without delay.