Who they are
Nihaya Wishahy holds a doctorate in education and lectures at Oranim College. She works with at-risk youth, on violence and drug prevention, and on young people’s reintegration into their communities. She lives in Ara-Ar’ara.
She studied at the University of Haifa, where she joined Hadash’s student group in 1994. She worked with school dropouts, then in state schools and family support programmes. She trained teachers at Al-Qasemi before moving to Oranim. She serves as a public representative on Ar’ara’s local council.
Positions and record
Crime and weapons: In August 2026, called for dismantling crime organisations, collecting legal and illegal weapons, disrupting criminal finances and protecting threatened citizens and public representatives.
Policing: In August 2026, criticised police for targeting ordinary Arab citizens while failing to confront organised crime, and demanded effective protection.
Early-years education: In July 2026, supported a national plan to map local needs, expand nurseries, train staff and increase subsidies.
Youth services: In August 2026, supported investment in education, welfare, employment, youth programmes, sport and culture alongside enforcement to prevent recruitment into organised crime.
Women’s participation: In August 2026, backed greater representation of women in politics, equal pay and employment, and action against violence against women.
Where they stand
Holds the Hadash line on every issue.
Judea & SamariaHadash lineEnd the occupation: a Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, talks with the PLO, and a just solution for refugees under Resolution 194.
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & SecurityHadash lineMake the end of the war permanent, lift the siege and end military control of Gaza, with aid, rebuilding, the return of the displaced and UNRWA back at work.
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi EnlistmentHadash lineOpposes drafting Haredim or anyone else and would sanction no one who does not enlist; rejects military and civil service schemes for Arab youth.
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
JudiciaryHadash lineThe court as rights guarantor
Court can strike lawsKnesset can override
EconomyHadash lineA minimum wage of at least 70% of the average wage, progressive tax, price controls on basics, and no privatisation of health, education, housing or welfare.
Social spendingFree market
EducationHadash lineArab schools run themselves, setting their own curriculum and administration, on budgets equal to Jewish schools' and with no privatisation.
State runs the schoolsParents and communities
Religion & StateHadash lineSeparation of religion and state, with freedom of conscience and belief, written into a constitution of equal citizenship.
Civil / pluralistReligious authority
Nation & CitizenshipHadash lineEqual citizenship in a constitution, recognition of Arab citizens as an indigenous national group, and repeal of the Nation-State Law.
Equal citizenshipJewish national state
