24/05/2026
A large delegation of friends and activists from Tag Meir and Standing Together visited attorney Saleh Naama last week after he was brutally assaulted by officers of the Israeli Police in his home in Be’er Sheva. The visit took place at his parents’ home in Deir al-Asad.
Saleh’s parents, relatives, neighbors and members of the community welcomed the delegation with the generosity and warmth so characteristic of Arab hospitality — coffee, tea, fruit and homemade pastries.
On a Friday night, police officers knocked on Saleh’s door. Suspecting they might be impostors, he called the police emergency line. According to Saleh, the dispatcher told him: “Do not open the door under any circumstances.”
The officers then broke into his home — without a search warrant — and violently beat him, punching him repeatedly in the face and throughout his body until he was bleeding heavily. They handcuffed him, dragged him to a police vehicle, and reportedly mocked him, saying: “Congratulations on your new face.”
For many hours, Saleh remained handcuffed at the police station and later at the hospital without receiving proper medical treatment, despite his swollen and bleeding face. Police initially claimed in court that body camera footage of the incident did not exist — a claim later exposed as false when the footage was found and released to the media, clearly showing that Saleh did not resist arrest.
We expressed our deep shock and outrage at this horrifying assault. But sadly, we were not surprised. Racism and unchecked violence within the police force have become increasingly normalized under the leadership of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. We felt ashamed and heartbroken by this racist attack — a moral stain that affects all of us. It is our duty to speak out, protest, and stand firmly against violence and racism.
We wished dear Saleh a full and speedy recovery and success in pursuing justice and accountability. We promised him and his family that we will continue to stand beside them.
“You are not alone.”
Attorney Khalil Naama, Saleh’s father, thanked the delegation emotionally on behalf of the family:
“I don’t know how to thank you.”
Anyone who wants to meet an Arab-Israeli family that truly represents the very best of this country is invited to visit the Naama family in Deir al-Asad.
Sending Saleh strength, healing, and solidarity — on behalf of the many Israelis who still believe in peace, equality, and justice.