Sameh Akram Habeeb
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.
Education
[edit]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]
Career
[edit]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]
Early career
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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 .
Political career
[edit]Entry into politics
[edit]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]
Involvement in the Labour Party
[edit]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]
Involvement in the Workers Party
[edit]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?]
Role as London Secretary of the Workers Party
[edit]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?]
Advocacy and political views
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Focus on social justice
[edit]Habeeb is committed to tackling systemic injustices, particularly those affecting ethnic minorities in London, advocating for fair representation and social inclusion.[citation needed][promotion?]
Stance on economic policies
[edit]He has called for increased investment in public services, support for affordable housing, and a stronger emphasis on workers’ rights.[citation needed][promotion?]
Commitment to minority rights
[edit]His advocacy includes fighting against Islamophobia and antisemitism, emphasizing the need for a politics that respects all cultural and religious communities.[citation needed][promotion?]
Campaigning efforts before the 2024 elections
[edit]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?]
2024 UK general elections
[edit]Announcement of candidacy
[edit]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.
Key issues and policies
[edit]His campaign focused on increasing the availability of social housing, advocating for mental health services, and demanding environmental sustainability.[citation needed]
Engagement with the London community
[edit]Habeeb emphasized active engagement with Ealing North’s diverse population, particularly reaching out to marginalized groups who felt neglected by mainstream parties.[citation needed]
Debates and public appearances
[edit]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]
Election results
[edit]Election results
[edit]In the 2024 elections, Habeeb received around 7.3% of the vote in Ealing North.[2]
Political positions and ideology
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Economic policies
[edit]Habeeb supports policies aimed at reducing inequality, advocating for increased taxation on the wealthiest to fund public services and address the housing crisis.
Social and cultural issues
[edit]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.
Foreign policy views
[edit]Habeeb’s stance on foreign policy includes advocating for peace in the Middle East and supporting a humanitarian approach to international relations.
Environmental stance and green policies
[edit]He has pushed for green policies in Ealing North, such as improving air quality and promoting sustainable development practices.
Controversies and public perception
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Criticisms and political opponents
[edit]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?]
Support from community organizations
[edit]He has gained strong support from local community groups who see him as a genuine advocate for change, particularly on housing and social equity.
Media representation
[edit]The media portrayal of Habeeb has been mixed, with outlets recognizing his community engagement but questioning his ability to secure widespread political influence.
Response to criticisms
[edit]Habeeb has consistently defended his positions, emphasizing the importance of holding elected officials accountable and prioritizing community needs over political expediency.
Personal life
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Family
[edit]Habeeb lives in Ealing and Hillingdon since 2009.
Community engagement
[edit]He remains actively involved in local charity work, supporting initiatives such as refugee assistance programs and local food banks.[which?]
Charitable work and advocacy
[edit]Habeeb’s commitment to social justice extends beyond politics, as he has worked with various NGOs and community organizations[which?] throughout his career.
References
[edit]- ^ wplondon (2024-11-30). "Winter Fuel Payment Cuts Leave Pensioners in the Cold: Workers Party Condemns Labour's Betrayal of the Most Vulnerable - Workers Party of Britain London Branch". Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ a b "Ealing North - General election results 2024". BBC News. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
- ^ a b Gilinsky, Jaron. "How Social Media War Was Waged in Gaza-Israel Conflict". Mediashift. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2010.
- ^ "From Gaza: Suffering In Stories, Features, Articles and Photos". Gazatoday.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
- ^ "Israel intensifies Gaza City push". Al Jazeera. 14 January 2009.
- ^ Israeli troops attack Gaza City. The Real News.
- ^ Gaza: het conflict door de ogen van een Palestijn [Dutch TV]
- ^ Elgot, Jessica (22 April 2010). "Tonge quits Palestine Telegraph 'over KKK video'". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
- ^ a b Elgot, Jessica (3 May 2010). "Leeds student paper pulled for antisemitic interview". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
- ^ "Dublin: Hundreds Attend Rally Against Israeli Apartheid in Palestine - Indymedia Ireland". Indymedia.ie. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
- ^ a b "Labour suspends council candidate over alleged anti-Semitic remarks". Jewish News. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ^ Thursday; February 25; 2021 (2021-02-24). "We're fighting Labour's anti-socialist purge in the High Court". Morning Star. Retrieved 2025-01-08.
{{cite web}}:|last3=has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ https://x.com/samehahabeeb/status/1793932270140596603?s=46&t=wMPWMILLOmU-5115v06qHA
- ^ Bunder, Leslie (4 June 2024). "Ealing North Workers Party candidate Sameh Habeeb on why he wants to become MP". Ealing.news. Retrieved 8 January 2025.
- 21st-century Palestinian journalists
- 21st-century British journalists
- Living people
- British male journalists
- Workers Party of Britain parliamentary candidates
- British conspiracy theorists
- Labour Party (UK) parliamentary candidates
- Journalists from Gaza City
- Islamic University of Gaza alumni
- Palestinian emigrants to the United Kingdom
- Palestinian bloggers
- Expelled members of the Labour Party (UK)