Hadash candidate Jafar Farah withdraws Knesset candidacy amid harassment allegations
Jafar Farah has withdrawn his candidacy for the second spot on the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) list in the Knesset elections. He did so amid allegations of sexual harassment and calls for him to leave the list, which Farah firmly denies.
Statement on withdrawing candidacy
As The Jerusalem Post reports, Farah, 59, from Haifa, said he was withdrawing from the election "out of a sense of responsibility and in support of the Joint List." He had previously been elected as the second candidate on Hadash's electoral list.
According to a statement circulated among party supporters, Farah made the decision in coordination with Hadash and Joint List bodies, as well as leading figures in Haifa and other parts of the country. The statement said the move was intended to prevent attempts to undermine the Joint List by using the allegations made against Farah.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Choosing a replacement
Despite withdrawing his candidacy, Farah said he intends to continue his political and public activities and work for Hadash and the Joint List. Following his departure, Hadash's national secretariat and central committee are to hold a joint meeting to select a candidate for the second spot on the list. According to the statement, all members of Hadash's national council will be eligible to seek the position.
Farah was also hospitalized at Rambam Hospital on Thursday after feeling unwell. A party statement described his condition as a temporary health crisis and wished him a speedy recovery, without providing further details.
