Bereaved Families Urge MK Kahana Not to Accept Arab Party Support for Knesset Speaker

Nearly 200 bereaved families and families of victims of hostility have penned a sharp letter to Member of Knesset Matan Kahana, ahead of an upcoming vote on Tuesday for his appointment as Knesset Speaker. The families are demanding that Kahana not allow his election to be contingent on the support of Arab party Knesset members. The letter, written in the context of Arab parties' refusal to recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terror organizations, expresses the families' shock at the possibility of Kahana, a combat veteran and officer, reaching the senior position through their votes. They stated that this is a moral and values-based issue that cannot be pushed aside for political considerations. The families emphasized that Kahana, as a former combatant and officer who has experienced the battlefield and understands Israel's security challenges, should not turn his back on the fallen and victims. They highlighted the atrocities of October 7th, perpetrated by Hamas, and the ongoing conflict, noting that Arab parties have not shed tears for the victims and some even express understanding or support for the acts of terror. The families are deeply disturbed by the prospect of Kahana's election with the support of these Knesset members, calling it a severe blow to the bereaved and a serious public and moral message. They urged Kahana to reject this "disgrace" and "stain" on his name and public legacy, to say no to cooperation with terror supporters, and to prioritize conscience, values, and loyalty to the fallen over political considerations.