Arab Terrorism Unchecked; Fields in Galilee Put to Torch

Using torch and gun with disastrous effect, Arab bands continued over the week-end to ravage and terrorize many sections of the Holy Land.

Terrorists killed three Arab women in a raid on the village of Kirat Zelfi, near Tulkarem, reportedly because they had refused to divulge the whereabouts of their husbands.

The greatest damage to Jewish colonies is being done lately by incendiarism, especially directed against Jewish fields in the Upper and Lower Galilee. Fields at Yavniel, Ayelet Hashachar, Mishmar Hayarden and Rosh Pina have been almost entirely destroyed by fire.

Fire which destroyed nearly a 100 acres of crops at Rosh Pina was spread by the wind to nearby Arab fields. Jews helping the Arabs extinguish the flames were shot at by terrorists.

Almost at the same time, the Government forest on the shores of the Sea of Galilee was put to the torch. Terrorists laid down a barrage of shots at Jews and police fighting the flames. Several attacks against Haifa Bay settlements were repulsed. A Jewish special policeman, Joshua Kastner, was slightly wounded.

Police discovered a factory producing mines and bombs in an Arab-owned orange grove between Kfar Saba and Ramath Hakovesh. They arrested an Arab chieftain of Kalkillia, his two sons and a nephew.

Under pressure of military occupation of villages in the district, an Arab band of 250 that had been operating in Samaria under the leadership of the notorious Syrian terrorist, Yousef Abu Dura, was reported today to have dispersed. Part of the band has returned to Damascus, the remainder to various villages in Palestine.

Trial of three Jewish youths charged with firing at an Arab bus continued at Haifa before a military court. Ben Josef, defendant who was found unarmed when arrested, testified that he had no knowledge of the shooting. The father of a second defendant, Zorabin, testified that his son was violently insane.