Serious and Political Violence Among Arab Youth: Risk and Protective Factors and Effective Interventions

• In Event: Responses to Political and Serious Physical Violence in the Arab Society in Israel Through Proactive Strategies

Abstract

The study examines stone-throwing crimes in East Jerusalem, predominantly perpetrated by young Palestinians. In one neighborhood, an integrative approach was implemented, combining focused deterrence, place-based policing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, diversion programs, and community interventions. The collaboration involved Israel Police, the Jerusalem District Attorney's Office, Jerusalem Municipality, the Welfare Bureau, the Probation Service, and more. A research team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem conducted a study with dual objectives: exploring risk and protective factors to serious and political violence among Arab youth and assessing the treatment's impact on eradicating stone-throwing. Findings revealed common risk and protective factors for both types of violence, alongside a significant reduction in stone-throwing compared to control neighborhoods following the treatment. This underscores the effectiveness of strategies addressing ordinary crime in combating political offenses. Moreover, tailored integrative treatments addressing minority risks and needs may deter future involvement in political crimes.

Authors

• Badi Hasisi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Mona Khoury, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Eran Itskovich, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem