Storm in Hadash: Claims of 6 testimonies of sexual harassment by Jafar Farah

The controversy surrounding Jafar Farah of the Hadash party continues to escalate. The organizations "Women Against Violence" and "Al-Sawar - Arab Feminist Movement" claim that since 2019, they have received six direct and documented testimonies in which women described various patterns of sexual harassment and abuse of power by Farah. The organizations' statement was released as part of the "Harassed - Resign" campaign following complaints filed by two women, while the Joint List attempts to avoid an internal rift that could damage its election campaign.

Some of the testimonies were reported to have been published as early as 2019, while others were kept in the organizations' records under confidentiality to protect the women involved. According to the organizations, after accumulating additional information, they met with the leadership of Maki and Hadash on June 24 to present examples of the testimonies without revealing the identities of the women. Since the affair became public, further inquiries and testimonies have been received and are currently under review.

Hadash and Maki confirmed they received the information and established a special team to examine how to handle the matter. The parties emphasized that the team does not serve as an investigative committee and is not authorized to determine the truth or falsehood of the claims against Farah. Instead, the team assessed the political, moral, and organizational responsibilities of the parties. The team met with relevant stakeholders, including representatives of women's organizations and Farah himself, to allow him to respond.

On August 22, the institutions of Maki and Hadash adopted the team's recommendations, one of which was to suggest that Farah withdraw his candidacy from the second spot on the list. Farah refused. In a personal statement, he "absolutely" denied the allegations, arguing that the timing of the accusations suggests an attempt to harm him, his family, Hadash, and the Joint List. He added that he has acted "honestly, responsibly, and with respect" throughout his career. However, he expressed regret if any of his conduct caused offense and apologized for any unintended impact.

Farah stated he is willing to "stand and take responsibility" within a fair process before a judicial instance or an independent professional body. Hadash and Maki emphasized they do not intend to ignore the claims but noted the need to distinguish between taking testimonies seriously and declaring guilt before a qualified process has occurred. They added that they will continue to monitor the affair.

Balad also addressed the issue, clarifying that the "national struggle" cannot come at the expense of the struggle for women's rights. They called for the protection of victims and the clarification of complaints through professional and independent mechanisms.

Jafar Farah stated in response: "A complaint was never filed against me with the police or in a labor court. I have stated again and again that if there is anyone who was harmed by me, I regret it, and I even asked the organization raising the claims to hold a clarification where the complaints would be presented to me, but I was refused time and again. There is no justification for a campaign when none of the alleged complaints have been presented to me. It feels like there are those who seek to turn a person who fights for rights into a criminal without the need for legal proceedings or a fair process where facts can be addressed."