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Israeli Police Protect Ramla Arabs from Attacks; 21 Youths Arrested

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Massed police folled an attempt yesterday by hundreds of Jewish youths to invade the Arab section of Ramla, and arrested 21 of the youths after they set upon Arab citizens in the streets; At least 12 Arabs, including women, children and elderly men, were injured in the attacks, Most of them were treated by Mogen Dovid Adom ambulance crews, but three were taken to a hospital.

The incident began when rumors spread Friday that an Arab taxi driver was responsible for a collision between two scooters and his cab, in which a Jewish youth was killed. After the youth’s funeral, police received a tip that “reprisal groups” were being organized in Ramla, and police reinforcements were rushed to the area.

Last night, groups of Jewish young men began marching through the streets shouting “We don’t want Arabs, ” and attempts were made to break into Arab homes. Jews stoned Arab shops and attacked passersby. Many Arabs stayed home today rather than go to work.

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