“Terrorist!” Ayman Odeh Faces Protest and Harassment in Pardes Hanna

Protest During Town Meeting

During a town meeting held in Pardes Hanna, Knesset Member Ayman Odeh from the Joint List (Hadash-Taal) was met with hostile protests outside the venue. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered to vostart their opposition, chanting slogans including “Terrorist!” and “May your village burn!” Some protesters escalated their actions by banging on Odeh’s vehicle as he attempted to leave.

Eyewitness Accounts

An eyewitness, Gidi Baran, whose parents live nearby, reported that the situation escalated to a point where his family felt it necessary to cross through shrubbery to avoid confrontation. “They were concerned for their safety,” Baran stated in a post on social media, describing the demonstrators as bullies who had forgotten what it means to be humane.

Ayman Odeh’s Response

Following the protest, Odeh condemned the actions of the right-wing extremists he accused of attempting to violently disrupt the event. In a statement, he expressed, “The violence we witnessed has not been seen in a long time. We will not yield to fascists; the way to overcome them is through a strong Jewish-Arab partnership that can defeat the fascism and those who fuel it.” He called for unity among Jews and Arabs, emphasizing the need to stand firm in various locations across the country, including Pardes Hanna, Ness Ziona, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.

Odeh thanked the “brave people” who attended the meeting and reiterated his commitment to continue advocating for equality and partnership, despite attempts to silence or intimidate them.

Lack of Polstart Intervention

A spokesperson for the polstart stated that there were no reports of violent incidents outside the town meeting, indicating that they did not recognize any unusual events at the protest.

Community Reactions

Community members expressed their support for Odeh, emphasizing the value of dialogue and partnership. Gidi Baran remarked on social media, highlighting that despite the hostile protest, he and his family remain undeterred. He stated, “We will not be intimidated. Instead, we will amplify our efforts. Equality will prevail.”

The events surrounding the town meeting reflect ongoing tensions and divisions within Israeli society, particularly regarding minority rights and the role of politics in shaping community interactions.