At a meeting of the Knesset’s Special Committee for Oversight of Barrier Removal Processes held on Tuesday, lawmakers discussed concerns over excessive policing of Israelis of Ethiopian descent.
During the session, Blue and White faction chair MK Pnina Tamano-Shata described the harassment and discrimination experienced by young members of the community at the hands of police officers.
The discussion was initiated by Tamano-Shata after MK Tzvika Fogel, chair of the Knesset’s National Security Committee, declined to hold a similar session in his own committee, despite approval from the Knesset Presidium.
Committee chair MK Michael Biton opened the meeting by saying, “Imagine that immigration from Ethiopia had never taken place, and the Jewish community there remained in Ethiopia. Would their prisons have been filled with Ethiopian Jews? Would their military prisons be filled with Ethiopian Jews? The community has many achievements, but also faces a serious problem. We want to set out on a path of joint work.”
Tamano-Shata reflected on years of conversations she has had about the issue, stating, “There is almost no one I have not spoken to about this reality. It is difficult. I want to believe that after a decade in which the community has taken to the streets, bleeding from the heart to awaken our brothers and sisters, Israelis who are not Black will understand that we are not safe.”
She added, “I brief my son every time he leaves the house, from the age of seven, to call me if he sees the police, just like every other mother in the community.”
Police abuse allegations raised
Tamano-Shata went on to describe incidents involving police violence. “I received reports of an officer who pinned a child to the ground and used a racial slur against him, and another case where an officer told a detained teenager something vulgar and threatening,” she said. “You have turned us into people who need to survive.”
She criticized law enforcement for failing to acknowledge the problem. “You do not take responsibility, and that is why nothing changes. Two presidents and a former justice minister have said there is over-policing. Israel Police is wrong in its approach. If you do not wake up, do not think anyone here will give up,” she said.
Parents share testimonies
Parents of children and teens who had recently experienced police violence were also present at the session.
Naniy Mengistu, the mother of Moshe, an IDF veteran and combat trauma survivor, said he was violently arrested in Ashdod about a month ago. “My son was brutally beaten by officers. He is still in detention and has not received proper treatment,” she said, speaking through tears.
Tagest Mentsenot, mother of two boys aged 12 and 13 who were arrested by undercover officers two months ago, said, “My child is traumatized. He is afraid to leave the house and still cannot sleep.”
Adisalem Dego said her 12-year-old son was arrested on suspicion of stealing a scooter, even though the scooter belonged to him and the actual theft was committed by a friend who is not from the community. “At the police station, weapons were drawn on us. I was terrified,” she said.
Uriel Yosef Adna, 30, from Holon, recounted being arrested when he went to file a police complaint. He said he was shocked in the back with a Taser while handcuffed. “It cannot be that seeing a police officer makes me suffer. When I think I may not make it home for no reason, I give up in advance. You are breaking us.”
Police cite progress, deny claims
Police spokesperson Aryeh Doron, who participated in the discussion, responded, “We work day and night for the Ethiopian community, and we will do everything possible to improve relations. There have been significant changes, and more are coming.”
He noted that Israel Police had established a unit dedicated to building ties with the Ethiopian community. “Both the minister and the police commissioner supported the law to expunge criminal records for Israelis of Ethiopian descent. There is also a dedicated officer for the community in every police station,” he said.
Tamano-Shata replied, “Is this issue close to the police commissioner’s heart? I have made repeated requests to meet with him on this matter. Can you tell me why the meeting never took place?”
Doron did not respond directly. Instead, he said, “We need to see how we can take this lemon and turn it into lemonade. We need to lead joint activity.”
MK Meir Cohen addressed Doron, asking, “A Knesset member approached you with a question. Can you at least say you will try to promote such a meeting?”
Doron replied, “It depends on who will be in that meeting.”
Tamano-Shata responded, “You speak respectfully to my two colleagues, but you disrespect me. If the minister allows his officers to treat elected officials like this, I believe the Israel Police, including the commissioner, must be reminded they are public servants. The numbers are not good. I asked for a meeting with Danny Levy here in the Knesset, and it did not happen. Let him come to the committee and give us answers.”
The meeting concluded without a formal decision. Lawmakers agreed to hold a follow-up discussion.