Researchers: Ola Ali Saleh¹, Fuad Basis^1,2,3, Ofra Halperin¹, Shiran Bord¹

Background: Violence and crime in Arab society in Israel have been expanding, with a marked escalation in 2023. Despite the scale of this phenomenon, its health consequences for the Arab population in Israel have not yet been examined systematically.

Objectives: To examine the associations between personal sense of security, exposure to violence, and concern about violence, and physical and mental health, quality of life, and social habits among the Arab population in Israel.

Method: The study included three sub-studies: a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 505 Arab adults from 34 localities, and two qualitative thematic studies among Arab community members and healthcare workers.

Findings: Approximately 62% of participants reported moderate to high levels of stress, and 42% met the clinical threshold for depression and/or anxiety. Higher exposure to violence and lower perceived personal safety predicted higher levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, as well as poorer perceived health. Perceived personal safety emerged as a broader predictor of health and social outcomes. Stress significantly mediated these associations. The qualitative findings indicated adverse effects on physical and mental health, social relationships, and daily functioning, as well as the emergence of a pattern of “survival medicine” among healthcare workers.

Conclusions: Social violence in Arab society in Israel constitutes a major public health problem that extends far beyond direct victims.

Recommendations: A coordinated multi-system policy response is needed, including expansion of mental health services, dedicated protocols for healthcare workers, safe public spaces, structured frameworks for youth, and formal recognition of social violence as a public health issue

Research end date: 05/2026