First Arab Catholic woman to be member of Israeli parliament

Published: 2006-04-05

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Israel will have its first Catholic Arab female parliament member when Nadia Hilou is sworn in April 17 at the opening of the Knesset's 17th session. The social activist for early childhood education and women's rights won the seat reserved for a woman candidate March 28. Hilou, 51, national vice president of the Na'amat women's organization, said she first decided to enter politics in 1995 with the signing of the Israeli peace accords with the Palestinians. She said she chose to run on the Labor Party ticket rather than with one of the Arab parties because she believes she can accomplish more as a member of a large political party. She described herself as a "woman of action." "You can make changes when you are in a big party. You can have more influence, you can serve better," she told Catholic News Service in a telephone interview. "I will continue in politics my work of 30 years regarding social issues, including the status of woman and equality and integration for the Arab sector. There is a clear gap from which Arab society is suffering."

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