Orthodox Jews Expected in Large Numbers at Funeral of Christian Arab Cop

Amir Khoury’s heroic actions saved Jewish lives, a deed the rabbis see as without equal

By Israel Today Staff | | Topics: CHRISTIANS, Israeli Arabs
Orthodox Jewish men mourn those killed, including a Christian Arab police officer, in Tuesday's terrorist shooting in Bnei Barak. 
Orthodox Jewish men mourn those killed, including a Christian Arab police officer, in Tuesday's terrorist shooting in Bnei Barak.  Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews were expected to attend the funeral of Amir Khoury, a Christian Arab from the outskirts of Nazareth.

Khoury was one of two police officers to respond to Tuesday night’s shooting attack in the religious town of Bnei Barak near Tel Aviv.

Body camera footage and audio from the other officer’s uniform reveal him shouting to Khoury to “watch out” as the Arab officer bravely engaged the terrorist.

Khoury managed to kill the terrorist, but was also fatally wounded in the exchange of fire.

Officials in Bnei Barak said that hundreds of local ultra-Orthodox Jews had expressed interest in joining the delegation to pay final respects to the Christian Arab policeman. In Judaism there is no greater act than to save the lives of others, especially at the cost of one’s own life.

Following Tuesday’s deadly shooting, Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai called Khoury’s father and said: “It is important for me to tell you that your son saved the lives of many civilians. His actions will become a legacy and memory of heroism for the whole country.”

These heartfelt reactions to Amir Khoury’s bravery contrast sharply with recent claims by Church that Israel discriminates against and is trying to drive out the Christians of the Holy Land.

See: Church Spokesman Lies About Why Jerusalem’s Christian Population Shrank

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