Hadash Official Denies Harassment Claims, Calls Them Political Assassination Attempt

Jaafar Farah, the second-highest-ranking official in the Hadash party and fourth on the Joint List's Knesset slate, has rejected calls for his removal following allegations of sexual harassment. Farah, who initially announced his withdrawal from the electoral race last Friday due to these complaints, reversed his decision on Monday, stating he is "not going anywhere." In an interview with Kan News, Farah asserted that "old claims" from 2019 are being recycled in an attempt to "politically assassinate" him, emphasizing that no formal complaints have been filed against him and that he has not been presented with any facts regarding the accusations. He stressed his right to due process.

Farah is a prominent figure in Arab society in Israel, known as the founder and director of the Mossawa Center, an advocacy group for human rights. His stance has divided opinion within the Arab community. While some are calling for his ouster, others, including social activists, Arab local authority heads, and women who have worked with him, have publicly supported him. Jamil Bassoul, head of the Reineh local council, defended Farah, questioning the timing of the accusations and highlighting Farah's extensive public service.

Lawyer Aliya Zoabi, who worked with Farah at the Mossawa Center, also believes the accusations are part of a political assassination attempt, describing Farah as a "great, professional, and respectable person who knows how to respect women and support them." However, Professor Doron Nabo, a researcher of Arab society at the University of Haifa, suggested that Farah has plunged his party into a severe crisis just before the election list submission deadline. Nabo believes Farah should have resigned due to the "cloud of suspicion" and that the Hadash party council is likely to dismiss him, despite his popularity.

A source within the Hadash list described the situation as "surreal and crazy," suggesting Farah is attempting to delay until the final deadline for submitting lists. Farah himself indicated that a Knesset seat is not his primary concern and expressed willingness to discuss all options, stating his commitment to fighting for the rights of Arab society regardless of his presence in parliament.

The Hadash party council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to discuss Farah's potential dismissal, unless he voluntarily withdraws from the list before then.