Hadash’s Jafar Farah withdraws Knesset bid amid sexual harassment allegations

Jafar Farah, a 59-year-old candidate from Haifa, announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing his bid for the Knesset from the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) party. Farah cited a sense of responsibility and support for the Joint List as the reasons for his decision. This move came after intense pressure due to sexual harassment allegations against him and calls from within and outside the party for him to step down.

Farah made the decision in consultation with Hadash, the Joint List institutions, and prominent figures in Haifa and across the country. The statement emphasized that the withdrawal was aimed at preventing attempts to undermine the Joint List by exploiting the allegations against him. Farah strongly denies these accusations.

The statement also noted that Farah had been hospitalized at Rambam Hospital on Thursday due to feeling unwell. While the party expressed its hope for his speedy recovery, no additional details about his health were provided. Despite the withdrawal, Farah stated that he intends to continue his political and social activities for Hadash and the Joint List.

Following the announcement, Hadash’s national secretariat and central committee are set to meet on Friday to select a replacement candidate for the second spot on their Knesset list. All members of Hadash’s national council are eligible to vie for this position.