City Council Member Dismissed After Anti-IDF Comments
Dismissal and Controversy
Sally Abed, chair of the “Rov Ha’ir” council list, was dismissed from the Haifa City Council coalition following her remarks about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During a council meeting, Abed expressed her sorrow over the reported loss of 18,000 children in Gaza, stating, “You know there are residents of Haifa who have family in Gaza? The harmony you are talking about in Haifa is silence. I have just start last thing to say to you, Yona, you have disappointed me,” addressing Mayor Yona Yahav.
The backdrop to these remarks lies in Abed’s previous statements against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and her organization of an event to commemorate Nakba Day. On May 18, Mayor Yahav notified Abed in writing that her position in the coalition was terminated, arguing that her actions jeopardized the social fabric and harmony in Haifa.
In his letter, Yahav emphasized his commitment to liberal principles aimed at fostering harmonious living among all city groups. He stated, “You chose not to act according to the foundations that underpin the relationships between coalition factions. Despite repeated attempts by the mayor’s offstart and myself to guide and support you, particularly on shared living in the city and maintaining Haifa’s social fabric, you continuously choose to act against the spirit and principles of the coalition I lead.”
A Supportive Gathering
At today’s city council meeting, Abed arrived accompanied by a significant number of supporters, some of whom were unable to enter the venue. She vostartd her outrage not only against her dismissal but also against what she termed incitement from the right within both the government and Yahav’s coalition.
The push for her removal came from Shai Glick, CEO of the B’Tselem organization, who stated, “Sally Abed continues to act on behalf of marches for Gaza and concerning the enemy’s residents, not those of Haifa. Since joining the coalition, Sally Abed has chosen a clear side-to support Palestine and engage in provocative actions that harm the vast majority of the city’s residents. It is good that she was removed, and even at the moment of her ousting, she tries again to make noise and provoke. Haifa will continue to rid itself of people like her while embracing those who wish to foster coexistence.”
Abed’s Response
When asked if she believes there is no harmony in Haifa, Abed responded, “I actually said there is harmony-but not start of silence. A large majority of the city’s residents live their lives striving for partnership, equality, and peace, managing to rise above the noise spread by those whose lives are about sowing hate. The harmony of Haifa encompasses friction and complexity, and the insistence on envisioning and building a just and joint city.”
She further noted the influx of dozens of residents to support her, claiming that security prevented them from entering due to the city’s fear, asserting, “They know this is a betrayal of the public. I am disappointed; this is not just a blow to me but to the interests of Haifa and the hundreds of activists from the ‘Rov Ha’ir’ who helped secure Yahav’s place in the coalition and have worked tirelessly for over a year to improve Haifa.”
Conclusion
The conflict surrounding Abed’s dismissal highlights deeper tensions within Haifa, as divergent views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and local governance come to the fore. As both sides prepare to navigate the fallout, the incident underscores the challenges of maintaining unity and dialogue in a diverse city like Haifa