Former Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg Joins Jewish-Arab Party for Political Comeback

Avraham (Avrum) Burg, former Knesset Speaker, is attempting a political comeback after 22 years out of politics by joining the new Jewish-Arab party "Makom LeKulanu" (A Place for All of Us). He announced his intention to run with the party in the upcoming Knesset elections. In an interview with ynet, Burg described his return as an effort to offer a clear alternative to what he sees as the deterioration of Israeli politics in recent years, citing events such as the judicial overhaul, the October 7 attacks, subsequent wars, corruption, and societal collapse as traumatic developments.

Burg emphasized that his vision of a "full left" is not about advocating for a specific group but promoting shared interests for all Israeli citizens, including fighting for minimum wage, fair rent, and protecting Gaza residents and Palestinians as part of a moral struggle for Israeli society. He rejected the division between Jewish and Arab parties, stating that the key question is whether all citizens are considered equal, and if so, they are partners.

Despite the strained Jewish-Arab relations since October 7, Burg expressed belief in coexistence and blamed the political system for undermining civic normalcy, calling for the removal of such politicians. Meanwhile, over 400 Jewish and Arab supporters attended a major election conference for Makom LeKulanu in Jaffa, where the party presented its vision based on Jewish-Arab partnership, equality, peace, and social justice.

Co-chair Alon-Lee Green highlighted the party's equal Jewish-Arab representation and framed their campaign as a historic opportunity to replace the Netanyahu government and its allies with a genuine alternative grounded in shared values. Burg warned that the real vote losers are the tired parties refusing to acknowledge the new hope growing within Makom LeKulanu, which he said is becoming a powerful political force.