Balad Chooses Its First Jewish Candidate in Party Primaries

Balad, the Arab party often described as anti-Zionist, held primaries on Saturday in Shfaram for its Knesset slate and made what it called a historic choice. Journalist and B'Tselem board chair Orly Noy was elected to fifth place, becoming the first Jewish candidate ever chosen directly by Balad members in a primary vote.

The party noted that Jews had previously run on its behalf, including Einat Weizman, who was placed sixth in the previous election. Balad stressed, however, that Noy is the first Jewish candidate selected through its internal primaries.

Party leader Sami Abu Shhadeh was re-elected to the top spot on the list. The next positions went to Bakr Ouda, Dr. Maha Qarqabi Sabah, and Hassan Nasasra, followed by Noy in fifth place.

After the results were published, Abu Shhadeh said his re-election was “a great honor and a tremendous responsibility.” He added, “We are taking another step toward Balad’s return to the Knesset. Soon everyone will see the political power Balad will bring to the political system.” In a party statement, Balad said it aims to offer a “substantive democratic alternative” and fight what it called “racism and fascism.”