Embattled Ashdod port union chief Hassan won't seek reelection

In May, Hassan was among 15 port workers and vendors arrested over corruption allegations amounting to millions of shekels.

By NIV ELIS
Port of Ashdod (photo credit: REUTERS)
Port of Ashdod
(photo credit: REUTERS)
After more than a year of scandal, corruption allegations and an arrest failed to oust him from his position, Ashdod Port union chief Alon Hassan announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection.
“It’s no secret that these days I am fighting a tough war for my name that consumes most hours of my day and a lot of energy. It is beyond my ability at this point to protect and work for the workers, so I have made the decision” not to run, he said.
In May, Hassan was among 15 port workers and vendors arrested over corruption allegations amounting to millions of shekels.
He was accused of using his position at the port to push business with companies in which he, his friends and his family had financial interests.
In October, police recommended prosecuting him, and he is awaiting a possible indictment. Around the same time, a motorcyclist fired at the state’s witness in the case from point blank range in Kfar Saba; nobody was wounded.
The saga began last summer, when Channel 2 reported on Hassan’s allegedly shady dealings in an in-depth television special. Hassan temporarily suspended himself, but then-Histadrut labor federation chairman Ofer Eini allowed him to return to his position after two months, citing an internal investigation.


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