Embattled challenger to lead local Democrats backs down

The main challenger to chair the Democrat Party's Israel branch withdrew his candidacy this week following allegations he had "harmed the interests" of the party. Eyal Raviv, 32, resigned on Tuesday from his position as member of the executive committee and left the organization, thereby withdrawing his candidacy for chairman.

"I wanted to run for chair in an organization which allows a democratic election, but I have come to realize this will not happen," he said this week. "I had no choice but to leave."

As reported by Anglo File last week, Democrats Abroad Israel's executive committee convened this week to review Eyal's removal in light of allegations that he sent out messages containing the results of controversial poll.

The poll showed that 76 percent of those who voted in Israel in the recent presidential elections chose Republican John McCain and not Democrat president-elect Barack Obama. Raviv allegedly used this to demonstrate Democrats Abroad Israel, which is chaired by Joanne Yaron, needs to improve. Raviv denies the charges.

Yaron declined to comment for this article. Unless a new challenger declares his or her nomination, she will run unopposed for a second term in the internal election next month.

"Raviv did not present any real defense," said Sheldon Schorer, counsel to Democrats Abroad Israel. He added that the organization's leadership urged Raviv to stay on, but he nonetheless refused. Schorer stressed there was "no impropriety on the part of the organization ahead of this election."

In an email to Haaretz, Raviv wrote, "When I understood the organization was not open to change, I withdrew." He added, "False allegations will not help. We want change, not the same old politics."