Balad A-Sheikh
The Haganah headquarters decided to carry out a reprisal action in the village of Balad A-Sheikh (about 5 kms east of Haifa), whose residents were regarded as responsible for riots at the Oil Refineries.
On 30.12.47 an Etzel force carried out an action against Arabs at the Haifa Oil Refineries. Six Arabs were killed and several dozens injured.
When details leaked out, the Arab workers at the factory began to attack Jews with sticks, stones, and iron rods. They rampaged for about an hour, killing 41 Jews, who were unable to defend themselves against the large numbers of attackers. In response, Haganah headquarters decided to carry out a reprisal action at the Arab village of Balad A-Sheikh (about 5 kms east of Haifa), whose residents were regarded as responsible for riots at the factory.
When details leaked out, the Arab workers at the factory began to attack Jews with sticks, stones, and iron rods. They rampaged for about an hour, killing 41 Jews, who were unable to defend themselves against the large numbers of attackers. In response, Haganah headquarters decided to carry out a reprisal action at the Arab village of Balad A-Sheikh (about 5 kms east of Haifa), whose residents were regarded as responsible for riots at the factory.