MK Yoav Segalovich Sits on Low Chair at Arab Party Event, Sparking Debate

During a recent election rally held by the Arab Ra'am party in the village of Kafr Mandā, Israeli lawmaker Yoav Segalovich, who recently joined the Yesh Atid party, drew attention by sitting on a chair significantly lower than those occupied by other attendees. The event featured Islamic customs, including Arabic prayers and flags.

Mizrahi scholar Dr. Edy Cohen suggested in an interview that Segalovich's seating arrangement was a deliberate reflection of a historical concept concerning the status of "dhimmi," or protected non-Muslim subjects under historical Islamic rule. Cohen explained that this historical perception dictated that individuals in such a status should be positioned lower than Muslims, stating, "If you sit with Muslims, you have to be down, and this is not a joke." He clarified that he was not making a personal accusation against Segalovich.

Cohen further elaborated that this historical and religious viewpoint, which historically imposed various restrictions on "dhimmi," such as prohibitions on building high structures or riding horses, also extended to maintaining a lower social standing compared to Muslims. He believes the seating arrangement at the rally mirrored this historical dynamic.

Tal Meir, who interviewed Cohen, expressed surprise at Segalovich's presence at the event, especially given his background as a former senior official in the Lahav 433 special police unit. Meir questioned how Segalovich ended up on the stage at an event under what she described as a "green flag," implying a connection to Islamic symbolism.