The Arab police family that doesn't apologize: 'You can't put a patrol car next to every house. We need a change of approach'

A profile of the Safia family, four generations of Arab-Muslim police officers from the village of Yassif, starting with Salim who enlisted in 1943 and ending with his great-granddaughter Karin, an officer at the Western Galilee station. Family members speak about the tradition of service, their love for the state, and their views on crime in Arab society: according to Adham Safia, you can't put a patrol car next to every house, and there is a need for a change of approach and greater cooperation with the police.

A profile of the Safia family, four generations of Arab-Muslim police officers from the village of Yassif in the Western Galilee. The story begins with Salim Safia, who joined the Mandate police in 1943 and passed away at age 49 after instilling in his son Ahmad values of love for the homeland. Ahmad, now 78, served 30 years in the police, including as commander of the Marina station in Acre, and retired in 2004. His son, Master Sergeant Adham Safia, 51, is the third generation, serving 22 years as a liaison officer at the police post at Rambam Hospital in Haifa. Adham's eldest daughter, Staff Sergeant Karin Safia, 21, is the fourth generation, serving as an officer at the Western Galilee station; his younger daughter also intends to enlist. Family members speak of their love for the police and a sense of mission. Regarding crime in Arab society, Adham says police presence exists, but you can't put a patrol car next to every house; if education at home starts wrong, the police cannot replace those who failed. He calls for a change of approach and cooperation, and for recruiting more officers from Arab society. Haifa District Commander, Superintendent Yehiel Bohadana, praises the family as a symbol of values and service.

The Arab police family that doesn't apologize: 'You can't put a patrol car next to every house. We need a change of approach'