Businessperson and former Labor Party member Avi Shaked, businessman Dirar Amreikh of Tamra, and political strategist Yoram Dori have formed a new Jewish-Arab party called “Beyachad Natzliach” (“together we will succeed”), Shaked announced in a written statement to the media on Monday.
Yoram Dori is known for his longtime work with the late prime minister Shimon Peres.
Shaked is a co-founder of 888 Holdings, which specializes in creating online gambling platforms. In 2024, he ran against Yair Golan in the Labor Party primary and lost by a large margin. Shaked opposed the merger between Labor and Meretz that Golan had promoted and eventually executed after winning the primary election.
According to Shaked’s statement, in a poll conducted this week by the Midgam Institute headed by Mano Geva, the party can win 1.4% of the general vote, which is equal to approximately two seats in the Knesset (beneath the electoral threshold). This included some 5.2% support among Arab voters and 0.8% among Jewish ones.
Shaked went on to say that Amreikh will be serving as the party’s secretary-general and Dori as the party’s spokesperson.
The statement said that the party “calls for the strengthening of Arab society to build a better shared future in Israel” and “advocates for advancing Arab society through Jewish-Arab cooperation.”
Moreover, the party will focus on “combating crime, improving the economy, housing, and education, and [it will] build a stronger future for all citizens – Jews and Arabs alike,” Shaked continued.
“We founded [it] a few months ago and are now officially launching it in light of the current events and a moral and national sense of urgency,” he further said.
“In the face of regional threats like Iran and deep internal polarization, we must unite. It is time for a leadership that serves all citizens – Jews and Arabs,” Shaked’s statement read. “Strengthening Arab society is key to creating a healthier, more equal, and unified Israel.”
He added that his goal would be to join the next coalition and seek the position of national security minister. “With myself as minister and Dirar as a deputy, we will tackle the Arab community’s most painful issue – crime. A stronger Arab society means a stronger Israeli society, in security, economy, and education,” Shaked said in the statement.
Party seeks to bridge Jewish-Arab divide, strengthen democracy and civic participation
The announcement included a list of the party’s goals: Bridging divisions, especially the Jewish-Arab divide, through trust and joint initiatives; equal representation for all citizens who believed in democracy and justice; strengthening democracy by encouraging civic participation; and promoting human rights, peace, and social justice.
Other listed objectives included: Reducing economic and social disparities and building a welfare state; pursuing regional agreements with Arab states and the Palestinian people; separating religion and state and ensuring freedom of and from religion; crime prevention, especially in Arab society; promoting education for equality and tolerance and combating racism; and respecting senior citizens and supporting policies that ensure dignified aging.
Amreikh said in the statement, “The Arab citizen needs courageous leaders who will join the government and act on their behalf. Historically, Arab political power has gone underutilized. A joint list is the only way. We believe in our strength, and already have thousands of activists working across communities.”
He added, “Arab citizens in Israel have been discriminated against for 77 years. Only by achieving equal rights and educational and economic success can we truly grow.”
“It is in the interest of the Arab community,” Amreikh continued, “but more importantly, of the Jewish community and the broader future of Israel’s security, economy, and democracy. By collaborating, Jewish and Arab cities alike can benefit from tourism and commerce.”
Dori said, “As a unique, inclusive party, we face many challenges – stereotypes, political mistrust around Jewish-Arab partnership, and pressure from both political extremes. But we are committed to tackling this through civil engagement, equal legislation, and a shared ethical vision.”
Based on the statement, the party’s activists have already begun working on “several fronts,” including “establishing bilingual education teams, developing joint economic projects for equitable employment, and promoting legislation for full equality in the public sphere.”