Histadrut Chairman visits Arab municipalities, calls partnership a “Model for Israeli Unity”

In a show of solidarity and commitment to social cohesion, Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David visited the Central Galilee Region on Monday, meeting with municipal leaders and workers in the Arab cities of Sakhnin and Shefar’am. Bar-David praised the workers of the region and emphasized the strategic importance the Histadrut places on fostering inclusive partnerships.

“The partnership we have built here is a model for the kind of unity that can exist in Israeli society,” said Bar-David. “We are investing in this region and see it as a strategic priority for the Histadrut. What you are doing here—this is the Histadrut of the past, in the best sense of the word.”

Accompanied by senior Histadrut officials and led by Central Galilee Region Chairman Saeed Shalah, Bar-David first visited Sakhnin, where he met with Mayor Mazen Ghanaim, Workers’ Committee Chair Nimer Khalaila, and municipal staff. He received a briefing on the city’s current challenges and initiatives.

“I know the Arab sector and its municipalities very well,” said Bar-David. “I hope our partnership within the Histadrut will pave the way for deeper connections and coexistence across Israeli society. Cooperation between Arab and Jewish communities has been a lifelong dream of mine since I was a youth movement counselor.”

Mayor Ghanaim expressed his appreciation for the visit, saying: “You play a vital role in bringing hearts together within Israeli society through the working public. I hope your presence here helps heal divisions and rebuild trust.”

Later in the day, Bar-David met with Shefar’am Mayor Nahid Khazem, Workers’ Committee Chair Ali Saadeh, city professionals, and union representatives. He once again emphasized the vital role of organized labor in bridging communities:

“Our partnership, through the regional division and its leadership, is key to protecting workers and strengthening communities. It is a shining example of the unity possible in Israeli society. You are esteemed partners in the home of Israel’s working people.”

Mayor Khazem responded: “I hope peace and calm return soon. We are committed to preserving interfaith and intercommunal relations, and Shefa-‘Amr stands as a beacon of coexistence and unity. Thank you for this important visit—I look forward to continued productive cooperation.”

The visit included participation from senior officials: Histadrut Deputy Chairperson Roy Yaakov; Avi Yehezkel, Deputy Chair and Head of the Organization and Regions Division; Histadrut Director General Dudu Bezalel; Central Galilee Region Chair Saeed Shalah; and Hitham Wakhed, Chair of Na’amat in the region.