News / Politics
Former Palestinian refugee stands as independent candidate in Bristol East
Wael Arafat says that he is standing as an independent candidate at the upcoming general election in order to stop the Israel-Hamas war, to be a strong voice for disability rights and to campaign for better care of the elderly in hospitals.
The Palestinian-born campaigner has lost several family members in the ongoing conflict and previously went on hunger strike in protest against the war.
Arafat is a former refugee who lives in the North East Somerset & Hanham constituency but is standing in Bristol East where incumbent MP Kerry McCarthy is hoping to retain her seat.
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Arafat is currently crowdfunding in order to raise money for his election campaign.
On his Crowdfunder page, he wrote: “My first ten years of life was brought up around the fear of bombs and the sounds of low flying aircraft.
“When I went out to play I was always fearful that I would not return home. Children are the ones that suffer the most from war and experiences of war don’t just go away but the thoughts remain with you a lifetime and change your young perception of life into nightmares.
“Before the hunger strike, I had disabilities, I am now physically disabled but this hasn’t put me off to have my voice heard.
“I want to speak out and say, ‘we want a ceasefire’ in Palestine. Children shouldn’t fear bombs and fear they will be hurt or lose their parents through war.”
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Arafat said that he wants to promote disability rights because “the most vulnerable in society are suffering”.
He added: “Lastly, I too was a refugee. We constantly see and hear in the news about the high numbers that have come to the UK shores looking for refuge.
“Yes the sad tragedy is that people are running from wars such as I did. Seeking a safe place for them and their family to call home.
“If people can understand that refugees can and do benefit society they bring different skills to our shores.
“If the system was set up for immigration to process cases quicker to give refugees the right to work and earn their way, refugees could pay into our system to ensure that our economy is supported for all the extra social support needed.
“In turn this would then benefit all.”
Main photo: Crowdfunder / Wael Arafat
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