By Aryeh Savir/TPS • 7 August, 2019

An Arab who helped save the lives of an Israeli family moments after they were wounded in a drive-by shooting attack, received Israeli residency on Tuesday after being hounded by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

In July 2016, Mohammed Pakia shot at the vehicle in which of Rabbi Michael (Mickey) Mark and his family were driving near the Israeli community of Otniel in the Hebron area. Mark was killed, his wife was gravely wounded, and other family members sustained injuries at various degrees.

A., an Arab, arrived at the scene of the attack moments after the terrorist sped away. He provided initial treatment to the victims and assisted them in arriving at the hospital.

After his identity was exposed, he was ostracized by his community and hounded by the PA.

Learning of his situation, several Israelis launched a campaign in his favor and urged the government to grant him residency, which he was finally granted by Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council who was involved in helping A., stated that “again Israel is displayed in its full glory. This is the right and moral act towards someone who risked himself to save Jews.”

He underscored that “this is the correct message to convey to our neighbors. He who works to save Jews will be repaid in kind.”

The Betsalmo human rights organization, which was likewise involved in helping A., thanked Deri for showing “empathy” and said that A. “went through an experience he did not deserve and should instead receive a show of gratitude for the determination and courage he displayed at the attack.”

They wished A. better life “which he will now have, like the rest of Israel’s citizens.”