Yonatan Zeigen on Israel's new political party ("A Place For Us All") - Jung & Naiv: Episode 837

Summary

Political platform

Yonatan Zeigen says he is entering politics because grassroots activism alone cannot bring the policy changes he believes are necessary. He is running for the Knesset with A Place For Us All, a new joint Jewish-Arab party. Its agenda combines ending the occupation and pursuing peace with Palestinians, equality for Arab citizens of Israel, and social and economic reforms—including higher minimum wages, stronger public services, and investment in infrastructure.

Zeigen describes Israel’s current political choices as fragmented. He sees the Democrats as a Jewish-Zionist party offering, in his view, a return to the pre–October 7 status quo. He describes Hadash as having a different political role and approach to coalition participation. A Place For Us All, he says, is intended to make Jewish-Arab partnership central to its membership and leadership, with three Palestinian citizens of Israel and three Jewish Israelis among its representatives. The party was co-founded by prominent figures from the Standing Together movement, which remains a separate organization.

Personal and political background

Zeigen’s political commitment deepened after October 7, when he listened by phone as his mother, peace activist Vivian Silver, was killed during the attack on Kibbutz Be’eri. He said the event did not change his convictions but ended a period of political disengagement. He had previously refused military service, worked in law and social work, and participated in peace and human-rights activism.

He described the October 7 attack as part of a much longer conflict, while rejecting violence by both oppressors and the oppressed and arguing that nonviolent resistance is preferable. In his view, lasting security requires treating Palestinians as equals and creating political conditions that do not fuel resistance.

A long-term political arrangement

Zeigen said he considers two states with a shared homeland and federal institutions the most feasible long-term arrangement: Palestinian statehood alongside Israel, but without rigid separation between the two.

He argued that Israelis who support military force are often seeking security and well-being but are not being offered a credible alternative. Public opinion, he said, can shift quickly when political leaders present a different framework. He pointed to public enthusiasm for peace following Donald Trump’s proposed plan as an example.

Media and inequality

Zeigen said Arab-language media cover the new party more readily than Jewish media, and argued that Israeli audiences often have limited awareness of events in the West Bank and Gaza. He criticized what he characterized as self-censorship, government incentives for Channel 14, and unequal oversight of broadcasters.

On inequality within Israel, Zeigen argued that discrimination in education, welfare, employment, and housing contributes to serious problems in Arab communities, including organized crime. He rejected explanations that treat crime as inherent to Arab society, comparing the issue with past criminal activity in Jewish cities that, he said, was addressed through state action. He accused the government of failing to tackle crime in Arab communities and of making life harder for Palestinian citizens.

Election prospects

The party says it hopes to mobilize voters who have not participated in elections. Zeigen cited the party’s internal polling, which he said found that 75% of young Palestinian citizens and 60% of Palestinian women do not vote. He also reported positive responses when respondents were asked about a new party.

To enter the Knesset, the party would need 3.25% of the vote, which Zeigen described as roughly four seats. He said it was confident but would consider not running if its chances appeared too uncertain, because votes for a party below the threshold would be wasted. The election was expected to take place on October 20 or 27. Zeigen noted that Israeli citizens living abroad must vote in person in Israel.

Presenters and contributors

• Tilo Jung — interviewer and presenter
• Yonatan Zeigen — guest and political candidate for A Place For Us All