Bereaved Families Demand Ra'am Party Disqualification

The 'Choosing Life' forum, representing bereaved families and terror victims, has petitioned the Central Elections Committee to disqualify the Ra'am party from running in the upcoming Knesset elections. The petition, filed by attorney Yitzhak Bam, is based on extensive new evidence compiled in a research document exceeding 1,000 pages. Unlike previous attempts, this filing relies on official findings and rulings from law enforcement and judicial bodies, including the Registrar of Associations, the National Bureau for Countering Terror Financing, the State Attorney's Office, and various courts.

The core arguments are threefold. Firstly, it cites Ra'am's previous legal admission that it officially represents the Islamic Movement in the Knesset since its inception. Secondly, the petition presents substantial evidence demonstrating that Ra'am, the Islamic Movement, and their executive arms, the 'Siyua' 48', 'Al-Aqsa', and 'Humanitarian Deeds' associations, operate as a single entity. This is supported by overlapping personnel, the use of 'Siyua' 48' offices for coalition negotiations, and numerous official party publications for fundraising.

The third pillar focuses on state authorities' findings regarding the destination of these funds. A report from the Registrar of Associations indicates that 'Siyua' 48' transferred nearly two million shekels to the 'Islamic Charity Association in Hebron,' an organization designated as a terrorist entity in 2002. Additionally, 933,000 shekels were transferred to the 'Khair Oma' association, which state indictments allege is operated by Hamas operatives and affiliated with the organization. The petition also notes tens of millions of shekels in financial transfers lacking proper oversight or beneficiary details.

Publicly, the petition documents 50 fundraising appeals and 70 promotional publications for the associations over a decade, with 59 appearing on Ra'am's official pages. Notably, on October 10, 2023, just three days after the October 7th attacks, the party issued a formal call to donate to 'Siyua' 48's bank account. Beyond supporting armed struggle, the petition accuses Ra'am of inciting racism, citing 35 publications and statements. These include official party declarations asserting exclusive Muslim rights to the Temple Mount and demands to prevent Jewish prayer there, alongside statements from senior figures denying the Jewish people's connection to the site.

The 'Choosing Life' forum stated, "Four years ago, claims about transferring funds to terror organizations were treated as conspiracy theories. Since then, state authorities and courts have determined that funds were indeed transferred and that the recipient organizations are either designated or affiliated with Hamas. Israel after October 7th cannot continue to turn a blind eye. A party that raises funds for associations that transfer them to Hamas-affiliated organizations cannot receive immunity and run for the Knesset. We call on all Zionist parties to examine this investigation and vote to disqualify Ra'am." Attorney Yitzhak Bam added, "Behind Ra'am's moderate facade lies full support for Hamas. Those who collect money for 'charity' and transfer it to Hamas associations cannot be a legitimate player in Israeli politics and cannot sit in the Knesset. We demand the Elections Committee disqualify those who assist Hamas not only in words but also, and primarily, in deeds. The Islamic Movement and its political arm, Ra'am, supports terror and as such should be outside the Knesset."