JAFFA, January 7, 2012 (WAFA) – The Friday evening stabbing murder of the head of the Orthodox Church Association in Jaffa, Gabriel Cadis, sent shock waves across the Palestinian community in the city, according to local residents.

Cadis was stabbed to death by an unknown assailant disguised as Santa Clause during Orthodox Christmas Eve festivities in the mixed Arab-Jewish city.

He had earlier given a speech denouncing Israeli measures against holy sites in Jaffa.

Ahmed Mashharawi, a member in the Jaffa municipality, said Cadis was politically active and known for his patriotic efforts to confront Israeli measures against Palestinians in Jaffa.

Israeli police started an investigation into the murder and reports said six suspects had been detained in the case.

M.H./M.S.