(Hai Fa) – Guy Levy, 26, a Haifa resident and a soldier in the reserves, had a frightening encounter late last weekend (25/5/25). He said he was walking alone in the center of the Carmel – a crowded area late in the evening – when a car carrying four young men of Arab origin pulled up next to him. “They thought I said something to them, maybe a curse,” he said in a post he later published on Facebook. “But I didn’t speak at all. They got out of the car and started surrounding me.”
Even after they heard him fall silent, they did not retreat. On the contrary – they closed in on him from all sides. At this point, Levi realized that he had no time to hesitate. "As someone who served as a fighter, I understood that this was a life-threatening situation. I dealt the first blow and fled," he said.
The store clerk came to the rescue.
The escape, which he said saved his life, was cut short when the attackers began chasing him. Levi managed to reach a familiar place where he was spotted by an Arab vendor who knew him. The vendor pulled out a knife and came out from among the shelves to meet him.
The attackers, having noticed him, fled.
"He simply saved me," Levy wrote, "and I thank him with all my heart. I have no doubt that the four of them targeted me because I am Jewish, but I am not generalizing about the entire sector and it is clear to me that there are many worthy people from all sectors. Another important point is education for tolerance. I have no doubt that education is the basis for coexistence in Haifa and this is the way to ensure that such cases do not repeat themselves."
something has changed
Levy doesn't want to incite, but rather to raise a painful point: Many of the city's residents feel that they are no longer safe on the streets. "Haifa has always been a mixed city," he says, "but something has changed. There is a sense of anger toward us, as if we are a target."
He says he gets messages from parents who don't let their children walk around alone, even in groups. "I get messages from parents who tell me they're scared. It shouldn't be like this. The Carmel Center is the heart of the city. If we're not safe there, then where is it?"
Why didn't he contact the police?
One of the questions that arose following the post was why Levy did not file an official complaint. He said that on the Saturday after the incident he was still in shock, and after recovering a little, he felt there was no point in doing so. "I don't believe anything will happen. Even if they find them, they will be released within 24 hours. I think there needs to be a more significant punishment, one that will create a real deterrent."
He adds: "I'm not one of those who panics quickly. But I do ask myself what would have happened if it had been someone else. Not everyone knows how to react or how to escape. It could have ended in a lynching. I'm not exaggerating - a real lynching, in the heart of Haifa."
Stormy reactions
Levy's post did not go unnoticed. Hundreds of comments flooded the post, many of which included angry responses, some of which were also blunt and racist. "You should go with a gun," wrote one. "This is not the city it used to be," added another. "Not surprising at all," commented another.
Society has become violent.
Alongside the extremist voices, there were also more subdued responses expressing sincere concern about the deteriorating sense of security in the city. One commenter noted: "This is not a matter of Jews and Arabs. Our society has become violent, and it doesn't matter who is against whom."
Another person shared: "A month ago, an older man warned a girl about something in the center of Carmel, and it almost ended in violence. You can't warn, you can't look at someone. Everything became explosive."
The Carmel Center has become a focal point of friction
Although Levi's case did not result in physical injury, it did arouse a tangible sense of fear in many. The Carmel Center, once a symbol of nightlife and entertainment, is now perceived by many residents as a problematic space.
"The street doesn't feel safe anymore," says a mother of two who contacted a Hai Me reporter. "There are too many break-ins there, people are walking around in the wee hours of the night, and there is no policing. You don't see any police officers at all. I don't let my son go out alone, not even with friends."
Afraid to walk around the city at night
From the evidence emerging following Levy's post, it seems that soldiers and reservists, especially those who identify as Jewish, feel uncomfortable walking the streets of Haifa at night. "Our city is supposed to be a symbol of coexistence, but there is a real problem here," a reservist wrote in response to the post. "We shouldn't think twice about walking down the street at night."
Levy himself adds: "I will not cancel myself because of what happened. I will continue to hang out in the center of Carmel. I am a fighter, not a little boy, but I understand what someone who has no military experience goes through. They are frozen, they do not react, and the end could be fatal."
Police: If there is no complaint, there is no investigation
Haifa Police Department responded: Haifa's request is that as long as an official complaint is not filed, an inspection or investigation cannot be initiated. "The police invite any citizen who is harmed or feels threatened to file a complaint. Only in this way can we act in accordance with the law and verify the details of the case," the police said.
However, it is clear that residents expect more. "I don't understand why you have to file a complaint to have a police presence on the street," said a city resident. "Why do you have to wait for something to happen?"
Demand immediate change
Although Levy did not file a complaint, his story has reignited public discourse around personal safety in the city. Residents are demanding an increased police presence, the installation of more cameras, and a root cause treatment of the violence problem.
It seems that until things are sorted out, the fear on the streets will remain. Levi's incident is a clear warning sign – not just for him, but for all of us.
In Haifa and the suburbs, the police inside the offices do not come out, waiting for the wind to blow. Shame and disgrace on the police for the evil of Pines.
Leave it to the municipal inspectors, they know how to handle them.
Raful: "H. E. R. B. Y. M., they, S. R. T. N., in the body of the state"
And their return, wound, in nature..
As one neighbor filed a complaint about vandalism of my property, even though I attached documentation, they closed the complaint without even investigating or contacting me. When I wanted to appeal, the police officer said there was no point, that even rape complaints are closed. Truly respect for the Israel Police, which instead of enforcing the law, is taking care of the protesters.
Where are the police?? The police should demonstrate a regular and regular presence in the Carmel Center area and the promenade. Just to serve as a deterrent. The Louis Promenade is one of Haifa's gems and the police should protect it. Thank you
The city of Dodo does not coexist
I myself was attacked and stones were thrown at my children in another case. Until a local militia is formed to return fire (very appropriate in light of the recent and repeated cases), nothing will change. I complained to the police. Everything is showing, including providing photos and the identity of the attackers. All the cases have been closed. In my opinion, everything is intentional or the police are really poor. Go to Louis Promenade at night or they will look at you with deathly eyes, or curse/spit on you. In the worst case scenario, you will be attacked and women are also sexually harassed there regularly and severely. Nothing is being done! This is a story of at least 20 years and the background is completely nationalistic. Their goal is to show control and terrorize the residents of the neighborhood. By the way, they are also always dressed in black. (Jaish Muhammad) They recently tried to burn the area near the promenade. This is terrorism. Terror, Palestinian nationalists and the weak, diaspora and cowardly public will continue to demonstrate and talk about coexistence.
Even if there is a complaint, the police do nothing.
"Coexistence in a Mixed City" - Same Legend, New Story, Keep Sleeping Haifa
I moved to Hiafa at the very end of 2020. I didn't feel unsafe in my Hadar street until recently. As an older person, I wasn't out late without a car but I felt ok walking from the bus. Now, I wouldn't do it. Things have changed, even in just the past 6 months or so.
You did the right thing, warrior.
I walk there almost every day, it's really worrying. The noise of the motorcycles. Dangerous and life-threatening driving. Volt couriers who cross every red light and crosswalk and drive freely on the sidewalks. Even parking on the sidewalks. Walking becomes dangerous. The atmosphere of half-Gaza and the one who understands will understand. And the world goes on as usual until a disaster happens.