Hadash says it's the opposite of Lieberman

Jewish-Arab party launches new election campaign focused on difference between its principles, those of rightist party Yisrael Beiteinu. 'Fascism is the scoundrel's last resort,' says Hadash chair

Sharon Roffe-Ofir
Published: 01.26.09, 11:46 / Israel News

The Hadash party launched its election campaign Monday, ahead of the nearing general elections, and has chosen to focus on none other than Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman.

The Jewish-Arab party's new campaign slogan is "Jews and Arabs refuse to be enemies. Hadash – the opposite of Lieberman." The campaign will also feature several videos showing Jewish and Arab youths and a website.

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"We are the secured room for all those who fear the onslaught of 'Liebermanization'," said the party's chairman, Knesset Member Mohammad Barakeh. "Unfortunately, 'Liebermanization' is not limited to the man himself and has permeated through Israeli society."

The party feels that the racism suffered by Israeli Arabs is growing by the day, citing the Central Elections Committee's decision to disqualify the Arab parties Balad and United Arab List-Ta'al – a decision later overturned by the High Court of Justice – as a prominent example.

The move, said the party, was part of a long-term trend aimed at demonizing the Arab population in Israel and portraying it as the enemy. That sentiment, said a party source, was the reason for the new, aggressive counter-campaign.

"This (trend) is destructive to the Israeli society," said MK Dov Khenin. "That is why Hadash, which is the complete opposite of Lieberman, decided to rally all the democratic and liberal forces in Israel against racism and 'transferism.' We know that there are plenty who oppose Liebermanization."

"The racist discourse seems to be increasing with corruption. The saying that fascism is the scoundrel's last resort, fits Lieberman and his followers like a glove," added Barakeh

"I'm worried about the big picture. The mandates his is expected to get are a manifestation of Liebermanization within Israeli society. The fight against racism goes beyond the election campaign. Unfortunately, it is evident in every aspect of our lives."

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