MK Abas Zkoor
MK Zkoor launches new Arab party
Former member of Islamic Movement announces establishment of Al-Wasat al-Arabi Party: 'For first time Arab party will take care of citizens' hardships, it's time we thought of ourselves, took care of our future,' he says
MK Abas Zkoor (United Arab List-Ta'al) on Wednesday announced the establishment of a new Arab party: Al-Wasat Al-Arabi (The Arab Center.)
Threatened
Sharon Roffe-Ofir
Akko Knesset Member Zkoor assigned extra protection in wake of threat on his life
"It is not our job to occupy ourselves with the issues of the Palestinian people and the Arab world at the expense of 1.3 million Arabs who live in Israel," Zkoor added.
MK Zkoor served in the Knesset on behalf of the Islamic Movement's southern branch, but after a dispute broke with the head of the branch, MK Ibrahim Sarsur, four months ago the former announced his intention to break away from the party.
In an interview with Ynet held after the announcement Zkoor said, "The Arabs in Israel have no mother and father, and it's time a party was established including members from all sects that will place the citizen at the top of its priorities."
Zkoor said his party would focus on solving issues of education, infrastructure, industry, and poverty. "The social foundation is what concerns us, and it is our number one priority," he said.
"The Arab population in Israel is not receiving attention from the Palestinian leadership or the Arab and Islamic world. On the other hand it fails to be granted rights from the Israeli government. It's time we thought of ourselves and took care of our future."
'We would love to join leftist coalition'
Zkoor stressed the importance of distinguishing the Israeli Arab population from the Palestinian people and the Arab nations. "We live in Israel and we have to think about our future here," he added.
In relation to this statement, Zkoor said it would be important for his party to join the coalition. "We would be delighted to be part of any leftist government that supports peace," he said.
Zkoor, who was a senior member of the Islamic Movement, believes his party can seize a substantial number of its voters. He said several movement members have already expressed interest in the party, including a few sheiks who serve as village heads. He believes the party will receive up to four mandates in the coming election.
