Sameh Akram Habeeb or Sam Habeeb is a British-Palestinian journalist and politician, currently the Secretary of the Workers Party in London. [1] In 2024 he ran for Parliament in Ealing North as Independent before joining the Workers Party of Britain. [2] He is the founder and director of think tank organisation International Centre For Relations & Diplomacy.
Habeeb holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from the Islamic University of Gaza [3] and a master's degree in entrepreneurship and social media. His academic focus included studies on media bias and its impact on global perspectives, particularly concerning Middle Eastern affairs.[ citation needed ]
In 2007, Habeeb started to intensify his media work as the siege became tougher in Gaza. He launched a blog, Gaza Today, the Untold Story, late in 2007. [4] [ non-primary source needed ]
During the 2008–09 Gaza War he was a source of news in Gaza. He reported for a number of media outlets, including The Real News, and was a contributing reporter for BBC, Sky News, Channel 4, ABC, CBC, CNN, and tens of other media outlets on an hourly basis. [5] [6] Working under terrible conditions during the war, he worked as a field reporter with Netwerk TV [7] of the Netherlands, as well as Vandakh, where he did various reports about the war.[ citation needed ]
During the 23 days of the war in Gaza, Habeeb sent daily dispatches via his blog about the war for all media outlets. His reporting put him in focus, which, he reports, led to numerous threats on his life. Mediashift studied Habeeb's work, and drew a comparison between the Israeli and Palestinian media. [3]
In March 2009, Habeeb founded The Palestine Telegraph online newspaper. In April 2010, Habeeb's website featured an interview with the ex-Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke in which Duke stated Israel was a terrorism threat against America. A backer of the website, Jenny Tonge, resigned as a patron over the website's posting of the video. [8] In early May 2010, an issue of the Leeds Student newspaper which is based at Leeds University was removed from sale by the Students' Union after complaints for featuring an interview with Habeeb. [9] He was asked whether the "mainstream media organizations have a hidden agenda?" to which he replied: "They are certainly pro-Israeli. I think you have to ask yourself who controls the media." [9]
Habeeb holds a master's degree in business management,[ citation needed ] and he is a regular guest as a political analyst on Middle East issues on Press TV, BBC and others. In 2009 and 2010, he carried out more than 100 workshops, meetings and conferences across the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, France and Australia, where he conducted lectures on the media in Palestine and the recent political conditions in Gaza and the West Bank. [10] [ better source needed ]
Initially a Labour Party candidate in the 2018 British local elections in Northwood, London, on 3 May, he was suspended from party membership on 3 April prior to an investigation for alleged antisemitic comments. [11]
He began his career as a journalist in the Middle East, reporting on conflicts for international media outlets before moving to the UK, where he continued his activism through various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He has served as a consultant for multiple NGOs at the United Nations[ which? ], advocating for increased recognition and engagement of civil society groups .
Habeeb initially entered politics as a member of the Labour Party, later transitioning to become an independent candidate. His move was driven by a desire to directly address community issues that he felt were neglected by traditional party politics.[ citation needed ]
Habeeb joined the Labour Party as a supporter in 2010 and a full member in 2016 as Jeremy Corbyn led the Party. Habeeb was then selected by the Labour Party to run for Councillor post in Northwood in 2018 before he was suspended for claiming that Jews control the media. [11] After many years of suspension, Habeeb took the Labour Party to court for what he claimed was unfair suspension in conjunction with other suspended candidates led by Left Legal Fund. [12] [ better source needed ] The Labour Party terminated the membership of Habeeb during the General Elections 2024 when he decided to run in Ealing North. [13] [ non-primary source needed ]
Sam Habeeb was actively involved with the Workers Party, where he focused on issues such as affordable housing and economic reform in London. As London Secretary, he coordinated local campaigns and worked to amplify the concerns of working-class residents.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
In his role as London Secretary, Habeeb emphasized grassroots organizing and direct engagement with residents. He sought to address challenges related to housing, healthcare, and economic inequality through community-driven approaches.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
This section contains promotional content .(January 2025) |
Habeeb is committed to tackling systemic injustices, particularly those affecting ethnic minorities in London, advocating for fair representation and social inclusion.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
He has called for increased investment in public services, support for affordable housing, and a stronger emphasis on workers' rights.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
His advocacy includes fighting against Islamophobia and antisemitism, emphasizing the need for a politics that respects all cultural and religious communities.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
Habeeb led a proactive campaign for the 2024 UK general elections, focusing on local issues like housing affordability, better healthcare services, and the need for community engagement in Ealing North. He frequently met with residents and organized events to directly address their concerns.[ citation needed ][ promotion? ]
Habeeb announced his independent candidacy for the Ealing North constituency, positioning himself as a voice for change against the established political figures. His local pledge focused on local issues including NHS, education, local business, housing and mental health. [14] He participated in local debates and community forums, positioning himself as a challenger to the Labour incumbent, criticizing their handling of local issues like the housing crisis.
His campaign focused on increasing the availability of social housing, advocating for mental health services, and demanding environmental sustainability.[ citation needed ]
Habeeb emphasized active engagement with Ealing North's diverse population, particularly reaching out to marginalized groups who felt neglected by mainstream parties.[ citation needed ]
He participated in local debates and community forums, positioning himself as a challenger to the Labour incumbent, criticizing their handling of local issues like the housing crisis.[ citation needed ]
In the 2024 elections, Habeeb received around 7.3% of the vote in Ealing North. [2]
This section contains promotional content .(January 2025) |
Habeeb supports policies aimed at reducing inequality, advocating for increased taxation on the wealthiest to fund public services and address the housing crisis.
He has been a vocal advocate for minority rights, emphasizing the need for policies that combat all forms of discrimination, including racism and religious intolerance.
Habeeb's stance on foreign policy includes advocating for peace in the Middle East and supporting a humanitarian approach to international relations.
He has pushed for green policies in Ealing North, such as improving air quality and promoting sustainable development practices.
This section contains promotional content .(January 2025) |
Habeeb has faced criticism for his outspoken stance on certain international issues, though his supporters commend him for taking bold positions that challenge the status quo.[ opinion ][ promotion? ]
He has gained strong support from local community groups who see him as a genuine advocate for change, particularly on housing and social equity.
The media portrayal of Habeeb has been mixed, with outlets recognizing his community engagement but questioning his ability to secure widespread political influence.
Habeeb has consistently defended his positions, emphasizing the importance of holding elected officials accountable and prioritizing community needs over political expediency.
Habeeb lives in Ealing and Hillingdon since 2009.
He remains actively involved in local charity work, supporting initiatives such as refugee assistance programs and local food banks.[ which? ]
Habeeb's commitment to social justice extends beyond politics, as he has worked with various NGOs and community organizations[ which? ] throughout his career.
John Martin Linton is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Battersea from 1997 to 2010.
Joseph "Yossi" Beilin is an Israeli politician who has served in multiple ministerial and leadership positions in the Israeli government. Much of his political career was in the Labour Party. He also served as chairman of the Meretz-Yachad political party. After retiring from political life, Beilin founded 'Beilink', a business consultancy company. He also writes opinion pieces in Israeli papers Haaretz and Israel Hayom.
Jennifer Louise Tonge, Baroness Tonge is a politician in the United Kingdom. She was Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond Park in London from 1997 to 2005. In June 2005 she was made a life peer as Baroness Tonge, of Kew in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, which entitled her to a seat in the House of Lords.
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, represents the interests of the Australian Jewish community to government, politicians, media and other community groups and organisations through research, commentary and analysis. The organisation is directed by Colin Rubenstein, who was previously a political science lecturer at Monash University. AIJAC has office locations in Melbourne and Sydney. AIJAC is formally associated with the American Jewish Committee.
Revisionist Zionism is a form of Zionism characterized by territorial maximalism. Revisionist Zionism promoted expansionism and the establishment of a Jewish majority on both sides of the Jordan River.
Ittijah or "Union of Arab Community-Based Associations" is a network for Palestinian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) founded in 1995 in Israel. The organization's stated goals are promoting the Palestinian Arab civil society and advocating political, economic and social change for Palestinians who are denied access to infrastructure and services "due to discriminatory practices and policies of the (Israeli) State". Based in Haifa, the focus is on coordinating the activities and strategies of member organisations while promoting advocacy, capacity building and networking.
Andrew Francis Slaughter is a British Labour Party politician who is currently serving as Member of Parliament (MP) for Hammersmith and Chiswick, and before that, Hammersmith and Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush, since 2005. Prior to his election to Parliament, he had served as Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
Jewish political movements refer to the organized efforts of Jews to build their own political parties or otherwise represent their interest in politics outside the Jewish community. From the time of the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans to the foundation of Israel, the Jewish people had no sovereign territory and were largely denied equal rights in the lands in which they lived. Thus, until the emancipation of the Jews in the 19th century, almost all Jewish political struggles were internal, and dealt primarily with either religious issues or local community concerns.
Wafa, also referred to in English as the Palestine News Agency and the Palestinian News & Info Agency, is the official state-run news agency of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Before the formation of the PNA in 1994, Wafa was the official news agency of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
The Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu) is a non-profit organization that is committed to promoting British Middle East policy based on international law, human rights, and civil society. Caabu has been active since its foundation in 1967, serving as an advocate, media and educational platform to shape UK foreign policy and public opinion.
The Israel lobby in the United Kingdom are individuals and groups seeking to influence the foreign policy of the United Kingdom in favour of bilateral ties with Israel, Zionism, Israel, or the policies of the Israeli government. As any lobby, such individuals and groups may seek to influence politicians and political parties, the media, the general public or specific groups or sectors.
The Palestine Telegraph was the first online newspaper based in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Its staff is composed of Palestinians and international volunteers, both professional journalists and "citizen journalists who do not take assignments from editors or paychecks from corporate controlled media."
The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine is a secular Palestinian Marxist–Leninist and Maoist organization. It is also frequently referred to as the Democratic Front, or al-Jabha al-Dīmūqrāṭiyya. It is a member organization of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Alliance of Palestinian Forces and the Democratic Alliance List.
The Jewish left consists of Jews who identify with, or support, left-wing or left-liberal causes, consciously as Jews, either as individuals or through organizations. There is no one organization or movement which constitutes the Jewish left, however. Jews have been major forces in the history of the labor movement, the settlement house movement, the women's rights movement, anti-racist and anti-colonialist work, and anti-fascist and anti-capitalist organizations of many forms in Europe, the United States, Australia, Algeria, Iraq, Ethiopia, South Africa, and modern-day Israel. Jews have a history of involvement in anarchism, socialism, Marxism, and Western liberalism. Although the expression "on the left" covers a range of politics, many well-known figures "on the left" have been Jews who were born into Jewish families and have various degrees of connection to Jewish communities, Jewish culture, Jewish tradition, or the Jewish religion in its many variants.
Politics in Israel is dominated by Zionist parties. They traditionally fall into three camps, the first two being the largest: Labor Zionism, revisionist Zionism, and religious Zionism. There are also several non-Zionist Orthodox religious parties and non-Zionist secular left-wing groups, as well as non-Zionist and anti-Zionist Israeli Arab parties.
Labor Zionism or socialist Zionism is the left-wing, socialist variant of Zionism. For many years, it was the most significant tendency among Zionists and Zionist organizations, and was seen as the Zionist faction of the historic Jewish labour movements of Eastern Europe and Central Europe. Labor Zionism eventually developing local movements in most countries with sizable Jewish populations. Unlike the "political Zionist" tendency founded by Theodor Herzl and advocated by Chaim Weizmann, Labor Zionists did not believe that a Jewish state would be created by simply appealing to the international community or to powerful nations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, or the former Ottoman Empire. Rather, they believed that a Jewish state could only be created through the efforts of the Jewish working class making aliyah to the Land of Israel and raising a country through the creation of a Labor Jewish society with rural kibbutzim and moshavim, and an urban Jewish proletariat.
Michael Lavalette is a British academic specialising in social work. He was a member of the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) from 1981 until 2018, when he left to join Counterfire. He was a local councillor in Preston, Lancashire from 2003 to 2014.
Abdullah H. Hammoud is an American politician serving as the 7th mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, since 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Hammoud had previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 15th district from 2017 to 2021.
The Workers Party of Britain (WPB), also called the Workers Party of Great Britain (WPGB) or Workers Party GB, is a socialist and socially conservative political party in the United Kingdom, strongly identified with its leader, former Labour, Respect and Workers Party MP George Galloway.
The Muslim Vote is a British pressure group established in December 2023 which seeks to support candidates who oppose the Conservative and Labour leadership stances on the Israel–Hamas war among other policy positions.