Arab bus drivers in Jerusalem stay home amid fears of racially-motivated violence

Dozens of Arab bus drivers have stayed away from work in Jerusalem amid fears of racially-motivated attacks in the aftermath of a shooting attack on Monday the city's Ramot junction, Haaretz newspaper is reporting.

Majed Mabrouk, chairman of the Superbus drivers' union in Jerusalem on behalf of the "Koach LaOvdim" (Power to the Workers) union, told Haaretz that nearly 60 bus drivers failed to show up for their evening shift.

"Most of them were afraid," he said, adding that lockdowns imposed on the area which from the attacker came made it impossible for them to come to work regardless.

Mabrouk reported that drivers fear an intensification of violence against them following the attack, noting that harassment and acts of violence had surged since 7 October.

"All we do is provide service to all passengers in Jerusalem," he said.