Dr Mansour Abbas

Born on April 22, 1974, in Israel, Dr. Mansour Abbas hails from the town of Maghar in the Galilee, a region known for its diverse and vibrant Arab community. His upbringing in this multicultural environment deeply influenced his later political ideology centered on inclusion, reconciliation, and dialogue.

Dr. Abbas pursued a degree in dental medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, graduating as a certified dentist. This early professional choice demonstrates a commitment to service—something that later transitioned from healthcare to politics. During his time at university, he didn’t just focus on academics. Between 1997 and 1998, he chaired the Arab Students Committee, an early indicator of his leadership potential and dedication to civic engagement.

Personal Details:

  • Full Name: Dr. Mansour Abbas
  • Date of Birth: April 22, 1974
  • Place of Birth: Israel
  • Residence: Maghar (a predominantly Arab town in the Galilee)
  • Family: Married with three children
  • Profession: Dentist (DMD, Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
  • Languages: Arabic (native), Hebrew, English
  • Education:
  • Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) – Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  • Pursuing MA in Political Science – University of Haifa

Political Affiliation:

  • Party: United Arab List (Ra’am) – An Islamist-leaning party representing Arab citizens of Israel, part of the Joint List alliance (2019–2021).
  • Current Role (25th Knesset, 2022–present):
  • Chairman of the United Arab List (Ra’am)
  • Member of multiple Knesset committees, including:
    • Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee
    • Special Committee on Amendments to Basic Law: The Government
    • Special Committee for Public Petitions
    • Joint Committee on Secret Monitoring Law
  • Chair of the Caucus for Combatting Crime and Violence in Arab Society

Previous Knesset Roles:

  • 24th Knesset (2021–2022):
  • Deputy Speaker of the Knesset (first Arab MK to hold this position in decades)
  • Chair, Special Committee on Arab Society Affairs
  • Member, Committee for Medical Cannabis Regulation
  • Member, Committee for Oversight of the Israeli Citizens’ Fund
  • Chair, Caucus for Eradicating Crime in Arab Society
  • 23rd Knesset (2020–2021):
  • Deputy Speaker of the Knesset
  • Chair, Special Committee on Eradicating Crime in Arab Society
  • Member, Finance Committee
  • Earlier Terms (21st–22nd Knesset, 2019–2020):
  • Initially part of the Joint List (alliance of Arab parties) before Ra’am split in 2021.
  • Focused on finance, Arab sector issues, and government oversight.

Public and Political Activism:

  • Deputy Chairman of the Southern Branch of the Islamic Movement (moderate faction, distinct from the banned Northern Branch).
  • Author of the Islamic Movement Charter, promoting Wasatiya (centrist) Islam—emphasizing coexistence and integration.
  • Named “Man of the Year” (2018) by Radio Alshams for reconciliation efforts in Arab society.
  • Key Focus Areas in Knesset:
  • Crime and violence in Arab communities (leading multiple committees on the issue).
  • Economic development in Arab towns.
  • Healthcare and social welfare for minorities.
  • Mediation between Arab society and Israeli government.

Political Significance:

  • First Ra’am leader to join a governing coalition (2021–2022) under PM Naftali Bennett, marking a historic shift in Arab political engagement.
  • Pragmatic approach—willing to negotiate with Israeli governments for Arab sector benefits, unlike more hardline Arab parties.
  • Controversial among some Arabs for working with right-wing leaders but praised for securing budgets for Arab towns.

Legacy and Current Influence:

Dr. Mansour Abbas is a trailblazer in Arab Israeli politics, balancing Islamic values with pragmatic politics. His leadership has reshaped Ra’am into a kingmaker party, proving Arab parties can influence Israeli governance directly rather than just through opposition.

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