A new study titled “The Perception of the Meaning of Exposure to Crime in the Community Among Men from Arab Society in Israel” by Amal Khatib, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ohad Gilbar from the School of Social Work at the Hebrew University, explores how Arab men living in violent, crime-prone environments interpret and internalize their experiences. Using a phenomenological approach, the study involved in-depth interviews with 15 men aged 25–60 from Arab communities in Israel, all of whom grew up amid persistent violence and criminal activity.

Key Findings

The research identified four central themes:
1. “Being a Criminal Man”
Many participants associated crime with power, status, and masculine identity. Engaging in crime provided a sense of control, adrenaline, and social prestige. Within these environments, masculinity was closely tied to dominance and violence. This suggests that crime is not only a survival mechanism but also a means of achieving personal superiority—internally and externally.
2. “Being Alone and Threatened”
Despite feelings of empowerment, deep emotional struggles emerged—loneliness, anxiety, and a constant sense of threat. These emotions were especially strong among those trying to distance themselves from crime. Many participants reported that their criminal involvement had alienated them from family and friends, intensifying their isolation. This fear and loneliness offer a new lens into the inner lives of Arab men impacted by crime, whether as perpetrators or victims.
3. “What Will Become of Us?”
Participants expressed profound concern for their own future and that of their children. Many felt abandoned by both the state and Arab leadership, with some contemplating emigration to seek safety. This dual alienation—from Israeli society and their own communities—intensifies feelings of non-belonging and frustration. The perception that Arab lives are undervalued further compounds this existential crisis.
4. “Is It Possible Otherwise?”

Some interviewees described undergoing personal transformation, expressing regret and a desire for rehabilitation. They highlighted the importance of therapeutic and social support to heal from trauma. Notably, many voiced a readiness to assume community responsibility—particularly by guiding youth away from crime. This challenges existing literature that often limits rehabilitated offenders to personal recovery rather than broader social leadership.

Many participants also described profound psychological distress stemming not only from witnessing or engaging in criminal activity, but also from the cumulative trauma of losing family members, friends, and neighbors to violence—experiences that left lasting emotional scars and shaped their perceptions of safety, identity, and grief.

Research Conclusions
The study underscores a deep emotional and social conflict: crime is seen simultaneously as a source of strength and a source of suffering. Participants oscillated between pride and shame in their Arab identity, reflecting complex feelings of belonging and rejection. The absence of support from both Arab political leadership and the Israeli government fosters a sense of double abandonment, exacerbating frustration and alienation.

Despite this, many participants showed a strong desire to reshape their lives—motivated by remorse, personal growth, or external intervention. This drive includes aspirations to lead future generations toward more constructive paths, with the broader goal of reducing crime within Arab society.

Clinical Recommendations
The findings highlight an urgent need for culturally tailored therapeutic programs that address the unique experiences and masculine norms of Arab men. Effective interventions should:

• Empower men as change agents capable of leading community transformation.
• Equip them with tools to cope with trauma and the consequences of crime exposure.
• Establish support infrastructures for individuals and communities affected by violence.
• Address trauma and post-trauma through psychological treatment and therapeutic frameworks.
• Promote belonging and community integration as both a means of personal healing and social change.

These efforts are essential not only for individual rehabilitation but also for fostering a safer, more resilient Arab society.