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

Jafar Farah, Hadash’s No. 2 Knesset candidate, stepped down from the list amid allegations of sexual harassment and calls for his removal, while denying the claims against him.

Jafar Farah announced on Thursday that he was withdrawing his candidacy for the Knesset from the second spot on the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) list, saying the decision was made “out of a sense of responsibility and out of support for the Joint List.”

Farah, 59, from Haifa, had been elected to the second position on Hadash’s Knesset slate, but faced mounting pressure in recent weeks following allegations of sexual harassment and calls from within and outside the party for him to step down.

A statement sent to party supporters said Farah made the decision in coordination with Hadash and Joint List institutions, as well as with leading figures in Haifa and across the country.

The statement said the move was intended “to thwart attempts to undermine the Joint List by exploiting the allegations against comrade Abu Basel,” which, according to the statement, Farah strongly denies.

Farah was hospitalized at Rambam Hospital on Thursday after feeling unwell. The statement addressed his health, wishing him a speedy recovery from the “temporary health crisis,” but did not provide additional details.

Farah's replacement with Hadash

Despite withdrawing his candidacy, Farah said he plans to continue his political and social activities and continue working on behalf of Hadash, the party, and the Joint List.

Following Farah’s withdrawal, Hadash’s national secretariat and central committee are expected to convene on Friday for a joint meeting to select a replacement candidate for the second spot on the list.

According to the statement, all members of Hadash’s national council will be eligible to compete for the position.