Umm al-Fahm mayor says he is not quitting after all

Umm al-Fahm Mayor Samir Sobhi Mahamed has changed his mind about resigning as mayor, according to Hebrew media reports, the latest twist in a saga that began when the city posted condolences for two terrorists on Facebook.

Mahamed had resigned during an interview with Kan news, saying he was taking responsibility for the message, which had been posted by an outside firm that runs the city’s social media accounts.

“You know what, this is my redemption. Yes, I announce my resignation. I’m leaving this position with a lot of pain because I came here to contribute,” he had said.

But after meeting with fellow mayors of Arab towns and other supporters, Mahamed decides he’s staying in office.

“There were a lot of people and I couldn’t refuse them,” a teary-eyed Mahamed says in a short video posted by Kan, as he is surrounded by supporters.

לאחר ההתפטרות בריאיון ל-#חדשותהערב: ראש עיריית אום אל פחם חזר בוhttps://t.co/Y9xkgHnzq3@CBeyar pic.twitter.com/HqxA297XUw

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) March 31, 2022