Twenty armed men alleged to be Jews raided the Arab village of Salama near here, entered three houses and kidnapped the two sons of the local mayor after wounding him in the leg, the Arab press reported today.
Arab sources speculate whether this action was aimed at the Arabs because they were members of Najada, Arab “defense” organization, following a rumor that Najada was preparing to create anti-Jewish disturbances. They also believe today’s raid is linked with one yesterday on the Najada’s office in Jaffa when four armed men invaded the premises and carried off leaflets and Arab “mobilization” plans.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Nimr Hawari, leader of Najada, said today that he asked the authorities for permission to arm some officers of the organization following yesterday’s raid. Hawari said that a member of the Najada had been kidnapped by Jews recently and held for several hours while he was questioned about the activities of the group.
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