Dim Amor

While authorities are still investigating the causes of the large fires raging in the Jerusalem hills, well-known singer Idan Amedi sparked public controversy with a post he published on Instagram, in which he firmly accused "Arab arsonists from East Jerusalem".

The angry post, published to Amedi's approximately half a million followers, was circulated at a time when official investigative bodies, including the Fire Department and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), have not yet determined the cause of the fires. "The holiest day in our calendar as a state is being corrupted by Arab arsonists from East Jerusalem. They should be tried as terrorists, we need to stop being suckers, and be unequivocal", wrote Amedi, adding: "I apologize to the bereaved families whom we couldn't come to hug today. There are no words left to describe this disgrace".

However, as of now, despite the Shin Bet's involvement in investigating the fires, there is still no evidence that these are nationalistically motivated arsons. Moreover, official sources in the Fire Department clarified in response that they have no idea what caused the major fire.

The arson issue made headlines after a man from East Jerusalem was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson, but it's important to emphasize that this arrest was in the context of a separate incident in southern Jerusalem, not related to the massive fire in the Jerusalem hills that has been the focus of media coverage.

In this context, it was reported that police arrested two left-wing activists, Erik Asherman and Itamar Greenberg, on suspicion of spraying an unidentified substance in the grazing areas of Givat Sdeh Yonatan. Preliminary findings gathered at the scene suggest that the sprayed material could endanger sheep in the area, especially when fresh and sprayed near the animals. This case is also not significantly connected to the major fire that occurred.

According to reports, there are additional suspects whose identities have not yet been revealed, but at least regarding the two current detainees – they are not Arabs. Nevertheless, it's important to emphasize that these are merely suspects against whom no indictment has yet been filed, and of course, they are presumed innocent.

The controversy surrounding Amedi's statements raises questions about the public responsibility of celebrities on social media, especially regarding sensitive issues with the potential to ignite inter-community tensions. In Israeli public discourse, accusations based on national or ethnic grounds in security issues often turn out to be more complex than they appear at first glance.

While authorities continue their firefighting and investigation efforts, the public calls for restraint and waiting for official findings before drawing definitive conclusions. Communication experts remind that in the era of social networks, statements by public figures with hundreds of thousands of followers carry significant public weight and require extra caution.

Investigative bodies are expected to continue their work in the coming days and collect additional evidence that will help determine the exact causes of the fires. Meanwhile, the Fire Department continues efforts to extinguish the fires and prevent further damage to people and the environment in the Jerusalem hills area.

The incident occurs during a sensitive period, and statements like those made by Amedi could amplify existing tensions. Other public figures have so far refrained from joining the definitive claims, waiting for more reliable information from professional investigative bodies.

Photos from Idan Amedi's Instagram and Israel Police, according to Section 27a of the Copyright Law