Ra'am MK Saeed Alharomi dies from heart attack at 49

The Ra'am MK served as head of the Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee.

By TAL SPUNGIN, GADI ZAIG
Said al-Harumi (photo credit: SAMI ABED ELHAMED)
Said al-Harumi
(photo credit: SAMI ABED ELHAMED)

Ra'am MK Saeed Alharomi has died at 49-years-old after suffering a heart attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Alharomi was rushed to Soroka-University Medical Center in Beersheba where the medical staff was forced to determine his death. The Negev-born Bedouin lived in Segev Shalom, a small Bedouin village south of Beersheba.

Thousands of people attended Alharomi's funeral on Wednesday afternoon.

"He was a young, energetic and intelligent politician," Ra'am head Mansour Abbas said of Alharomi. "He always believed in his way a member of the community of Negev Arabs. This is a huge loss," Abbas added. "His entire life, he worked for the residents of the Negev. Everyone who knew him said he was an amazing man who knew how to get everyone to agree."

"May god have mercy on Saeed and guide him in peace. We extend our condolences to Saeed's family and the people of the Negev," Ra'am stated in a press release announcing his death. "Alharomi dedicated his life to serve the Arab sector and to solve the burning issues of his community," the statement added.

The Ra'am MK served as head of the Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee. He previously served as secretary-general of the Islamic Movement in Israel, as well as the Segev Shalom Regional Council head, where he lived.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is currently in Washington ahead of his meeting with President Joe Biden, tweeted his condolences on Wednesday afternoon.

"In the name of the Israeli government, I extend my condolences to the Alharomi family on the death of the Chairman of the Interior Committee, MK Saeed Alharomi. May you know no more sorrow," read the statement.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yair Lapid tweeted on early Wednesday morning, acknowledging Alharomi's large contribution to the formation of the new Israeli government. Lapid sent his condolences to Alharomi's family. 

President Isaac Herzog released the following message on Twitter, in both Hebrew and Arabic: "Shocked and pained by the untimely passing of my friend Saeed Alharomi, the chairman of the Knesset Interior Committee and a man of the Negev. In his many roles, Alharomi was a wise and amicable public servant who faithfully represented the Bedouin community in the Negev. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Iman Khatib-Yasin, who was fifth on Ra'am list for the March elections, will replace Alharomi as MK. Her addition to the Knesset will set a new record of 36 women in the Knesset.

TEHILA FRIEDMAN (right) and Iman Khatib-Yasin at the Knesset. Both are striving for a society with greater collaboration and understanding across sectoral lines. (credit: TEHILA FRIEDMAN)
TEHILA FRIEDMAN (right) and Iman Khatib-Yasin at the Knesset. Both are striving for a society with greater collaboration and understanding across sectoral lines. (credit: TEHILA FRIEDMAN)

Khatib-Yasin was previously elected to the Knesset as a member of the Joint List in 2020, when she became the first woman to represent the Ra’am Party.

Other MKs have also expressed their grief for Alharomi.

"It wasn't difficult to be his friend," said Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi, "this is a painful loss for everyone, to the Negev, to Ra'am, to me, and to the entire Arab public."

Interior Minister and Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked also gave her condolences to al-Harumi's family in a tweet. 

Meretz's Tamar Zandberg was "Shocked and saddened by the untimely death of my friend. A dedicated and honest public messenger and a cheerful and humble man, who dedicated his mission to advancing the Negev and Israeli society. Just last week we met to discuss interior and environmental protection issues." She also sent her condolences to al-Harumi's family and the Ra'am party. 

Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev wrote: "Astonished by the sudden death of MK Alharomi. In recent months, he has been in constant contact with me, offering advice and ideas for our plans for the Arab sector. My condolences to his family."

Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen also stated on Tuesday morning: "it was only yesterday I sat down with Said for a work meeting. I knew him well. He is a very intellectual man, an educator, a man from the Negev who chose to represent the Bedouin with authenticity and dedication. Said constantly strived for solutions. My sincere condolences to the family and the Ra'am Party." 

The funeral for Alharomi will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Segev Shalom cemetery.



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