Al-ShamsPolitics09:46

Arab and Jewish Mayors Sign Petition to Counter Marginalization

By أدهم حبيب الله

Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba

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Around 120 Arab and Jewish mayors have signed a joint petition to counter the marginalization of the Arab community and affirm political partnership. Spearheaded by the Mayors of Umm al-Fahm and Kafr Qara, the initiative includes support from Jewish local authority leaders like Haim Bibas. Concurrently, a new five-year plan covering 22 areas is nearing completion to equip Arab parties for future political negotiations.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

120 Arab and Jewish local authority heads signed a petition to counter marginalization and promote partnership.
The petition aims to address voices seeking to marginalize the Arab community and question its political legitimacy.
The initiative was developed by the Mayors of Umm al-Fahm and Kafr Qara with support from Jewish leaders.
A new five-year plan covering 22 areas is nearly complete to aid Arab parties in political negotiations.
The plan focuses on providing a professional, data-driven basis for presenting clear demands in future talks.

Approximately 120 Arab and Jewish local authority heads have signed a joint petition aimed at strengthening partnership and joint work, according to Dr. Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm. Mahamid stated in an interview with Radio Sun that the petition was created to counter voices seeking to marginalize the Arab community and question its political legitimacy. The initiative, developed in cooperation with Firas Badhi, Mayor of Kafr Qara, received support from Jewish local authority heads, including Haim Bibas, head of the Federation of Local Authorities and Mayor of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut.

Mahamid emphasized that the petition's timing is significant, arising amid increasing calls to marginalize the Arab community and delegitimize its political representation. He believes the partnership among local leaders, despite political differences, can serve as a model for national-level cooperation. Bibas's endorsement of the petition aligns with his vision for inter-authority partnership.

In preparation for future political developments, the Committee of Heads of Arab Local Authorities has been developing a new five-year plan, with about 90% of its framework complete. Mahamid indicated that this plan, which draws lessons from past initiatives like the previous five-year plan, is being compiled by Arab community specialists and covers 22 areas, including planning, education, housing, and environmental development. The goal is to provide Arab parties with a professional, data-driven platform for upcoming political negotiations, whether for government participation or external support.

The plan aims to move beyond simply identifying needs to offering a comprehensive professional basis for negotiations, enabling Arab parties to present clear, actionable demands rather than general requirements. Key areas addressed include planning and construction, education, youth employment, industrial zones, commercial areas, and environmental issues, with a focus on green energy and waste-to-energy solutions.