Amir Badran, the first Hadash representative to serve as Deputy Mayor, was elected as a member of the Tel Aviv city council and the chair of the Hadash branch in Jaffa.
Hadash Representative becomes Deputy Mayor of Tel Aviv for first time
In addition to Badran's continued focus on Arab housing rights and opposition to the war in Gaza and Lebanon, his appointment comes after an agreement to stop municipal funding for organizations that support racism or discrimination.
Badran is a prominent figure in the housing struggles of the Arab population in Jaffa, where he is actively involved in the fight against the eviction of residents and the promotion of the regulation of their land rights. He took part in demonstrations in Jaffa against the occupation and the war in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, and he has spoken out against the judicial overhaul implemented by the far-right government.
Badran’s appointment became possible upon the conclusion of the term of the local branch of the racist Religious Zionist Party. The appointment represents a change in the balance of power within the City Council and evidences a resurgence of voices advocating for pluralism, equality, and partnership in the city.
As per the agreement, Badran will serve as the chair of a municipal steering committee that prioritizes community affairs, education, employment, and the resolution of crime challenges in Jaffa. The committee will also incorporate public representatives and activists into its operations.
The agreements also encompass joint declarations that aim to fortify partnerships among all of the city's communities, preserve the character of historic neighborhoods, address gentrification, promote multiculturalism, and safeguard human rights.
In addition to these steps, the city will be investing more and members of the faction will be more involved in putting policies into action.
Furthermore, an agreement was made to improve social and community services, increase employment integration for marginalized groups, fight crime in Jaffa and South Tel Aviv, and strengthen municipal programs for at-risk youth.
In addition, the parties agreed on practical solutions for renters, municipal help in the event of building collapses or structures that can't be lived in, protecting the Shapira neighborhood garden, and creating a heritage center for Jaffa's Arab population. The municipality also promised not to support groups that support racism, discrimination, or forcing communities to leave their neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, right-wing efforts both inside and outside the Haifa City Council continue to block the appointment of Hadash faction member Attorney Fakher Bayadsi as Deputy Mayor, in accordance with the coalition agreement signed ahead of the last elections.
Hadash holds two seats on the Haifa City Council, represented by Raja Za’atry and Bayadsi. For Bayadsi’s appointment to be approved, he requires 16 council votes. Consequently, a campaign has been initiated by the right to prevent the appointment from taking place at the July 7 council meeting.