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The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it

Occupation magazine - Commentary Home page  back Print  Send To friend Barak`s move enrages Arab Labor members By Hassan Shaalan Ynet / Israel News 19 Jan 2011 http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4015785,00.html Defense Minister Ehud Barak`s decision to quit Labor has Arab party members fuming. `This is the greatest shock to the Israeli Left in the State of Israel`s modern history,` said Ar`ara resident Malcham Malcham, who served as an advisor on Arab Affairs to former Minister Ophir Pines-Paz. `This move has direct implications on the Arab sector. It endangers democracy and bolsters the Israeli Right,` he said. According to Malcham, Barak `stole a mandate that does not belong to him in order to strengthen the extreme right in Israel.` However, Mancham noted that he still believes in Labor`s values and expressed optimism regarding its future. `Barak`s departure will encourage many people to vote for Labor again, when it will choose to return to its core values. `In the last primaries (Barak) told me that as far as he is concerned peace and equality are the highest values. I asked him if he has changed, and he said that at his age people do not change. Unfortunately he has not learned and has not changed,` Mancham said, adding that as of now, the Arab sector `does not support Labor.` Naif A`arda, another Labor member, said he was considering supporting a different party `because we don’t know what is in store for us.` Khaled Agarbiya, a Labor member from Umm al-Fahm, said Barak`s move `is a blow to all of us, and I`m kind of disappointed.` However, he added, `We must continue fighting until the situation improves.` Riad Kabha of Barta`a said those who remained in the party will `unite and make every effort to maintain the trust of those who voted for Labor. `It is unfortunate that us Arabs have no influence and can only sit and wait to see how things develop,` he said. `We are currently in a state of panic.` Kabha called for the establishment of a `broad leftist front that will serve as a fighting opposition together with the Arab parties and Meretz.` id Links to the latest articles in this section Is there still a chance to break the cycle of revenge and bloodshed? Israelis Against Apartheid Statement Following ICJ Hearing Three weeks into the Gaza War - a somber and sober assessment, with some historical perspectives