Asma Aghbaria-Zahalka, Leader Of Daam Jewish-Arab Party, Makes Long-Shot Election Bid In Israel

[oberliner]

JERUSALEM -- An Arab woman who's been toiling on the fringes of Israeli politics for nearly two decades has broken out of obscurity in this year's election with a non-conformist message that's resonating with protest voters.

The message of the Daam party is as unconventional as its leader, Asma Aghbaria-Zahalka.

She preaches for the nationalization of key industries – a rare idea in this capitalist land. She calls for coexistence with Israel's Jewish majority as fervently as she demands Palestinian statehood. She's a Palestinian woman who heads a Jewish-dominated party even though she hails from a conservative Muslim family.

Although she's a long shot for a seat in parliament, the 39-year-old Aghbaria-Zahalka has capitalized on exposure she gained during last year's massive social protests across Israel. She has gone from talking to near-empty rooms to drawing standing-room-only crowds at parlor meetings and bars, where she urges listeners to cast their ballots for her party in Tuesday's election.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/asma-aghbaria-zahalka-daam-jewish-arab-party-israel-election_n_2499122.html?

[Scootaloo]

1. See? Now there's a candidate that seems worth support, Oberliner

Sadly I only mentioned the party last time we went over that stuff, since, uh, "Asma Aghbaria-Zahalka" doesn't really stick in the memory, sad to say.

[oberliner]

3. Except Israelis don't

Shouldn't we respect democracy?

[Scootaloo]

4. Oh, Oberliner...

"Not respecting Democracy" would be if the US enforced a blockade on Israel for electing the "wrong" candidate, and then set about a campaign of murder and terrorism to destroy the party it doesn't like. You know, throwing missiles into the Knesset and the like.

Saying "this candidate seems better than the others" is no problem... except I suppose, to a far-right Zionist authoritarian...

[azurnoir]

2. +972 did a piece on her recently

http://972mag.com/watch-finally-an-israeli-politician-demanding-arab-jewish-unity/63605/

[shira]

5. Refreshing alternative to Hanan Zoabi and her cohorts. n/t

[LeftishBrit]

6. Sounds like someone well worth voting for