Israeli authorities sack Arab because of his political affiliation

The Israeli Centre for Local Authorities sacked Arab-Israeli Kamel Rayyan from his post because based on his political affiliation, Palestinian news agency Safa reported yesterday.

The Islamic Movement in Israel said in a statement that Rayyan was fired because he is a senior leader of the movement and has appeared on TV criticising Israel’s racist policies and violence against Arab citizens.

According to the statement, Rayyan was given two months’ notice yesterday and told this was due to sudden financial cuts.

The Islamic Movement said this is a “political” decision. The Supreme Joint Follow up Committee for Arabs in Israel said firing Rayyan raises “political concerns”.

“There is an impression that the decision came as a result of political revenge, however, such a centre must take in to consideration the constitution of the local community and how much Arabs are part of it,” the committee said.