(haipo) – Maurice Shehadeh, who was among the central figures in the Arab-Jewish List (Retz) and later in Meretz in Haifa, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 83. Maurice was the father of 5 daughters, and 4 years ago he lost his wife, Suad Shehadeh, who was also a prominent activist in Meretz and one of the founders of the "Woman to Woman" organization. He was laid to rest on Thursday in the Haifa cemetery.
Former Deputy Mayor Elias Matanes: Morris was nicknamed "the crowned one of Wadi Nisnas"
Former Deputy Mayor Elias Matanes said a warm farewell to Maurice Shehadeh, who passed away this week. "Maurice was active in the Meretz party as early as 1982 and then in Meretz. Until 2015, he served as a member of the Meretz Haifa executive committee, a member of the Meretz branch at the Meretz national conference, and between 1989 and 2010, he was the Meretz representative in Haifa on the regional election committee. He was an energetic and well-known social activist, who, thanks to his actions, became a beloved and important figure in the city," Matanes noted.
Beyond his political activities, Shehadeh served as vice chairman of the Disabled People's Association and was a point of contact for all Arab disabled people in Haifa, in his work with National Insurance and other government institutions - all on a completely voluntary basis, despite the physical difficulties he faced. "He was so well-known that he earned the nickname 'Mukhtar Wadi Nisnas.' Residents turned to him with any problem, and he was always there to help," added Matanes.
Matanes, who said he met Shehadeh after he retired, but before that he was a certified electrical engineer and worked as an electrical contractor in the north. "He was a resident of Hadar, and ultimately, even when he was already in his 70s, he continued to work for the city's residents and help them in any way he could," he concluded.
Meretz Haifa Secretary Eliezer Haberman: This is a great loss for the peace camp
Eliezer Haberman, a friend of the late Maurice Shehadeh, recalls his impressive activity in the Israeli peace camp. "Maurice Shehadeh was one of the central activists in the Israeli peace camp, who fought all his life for peace, equality and social justice," he says sadly. "He was one of the founders of Meretz Haifa and a member of the central institutions of Meretz and the peace movements in Israel. Maurice was a dear man, who loved people and they loved him back. A man who was always ready to help, along with his wife Suad, who passed away four years ago. They were significant figures in Meretz, especially in the Arab sector."
The bartender, who knows Morris well, emphasizes his great commitment to working for the underprivileged and vulnerable. "Maurice was a larger-than-life man, who always fought for social justice and equality," he adds. "He is a great loss to those who love peace and equality and to the entire Meretz family."
A difficult spring for the city of Haifa and its goodness.
I got to know Maurice and Saad through one of their daughters (we were in the same class). Thanks to them, I shaped my political worldview. This is a warm, close-knit, and embracing family.
It's been 32 years since I met one of the girls, we both transferred to the Orthodox high school in Haifa and I immediately realized that I had met a friend for life! Thank you, Maurice and Saad, for everything you did for the community, and for the tips you gave us during our high school years that shaped our lives; free love, helping others, and uncompromising excellence.
A family from the top of the mountain, Maurice and Suad (may their memory be blessed) were activists for the community, for the rights of neglected and destitute people… They worked tirelessly to instill hope in them and encourage them to return to society with a smile in their hearts, not just on their faces…
Everyone who knocked on their door received a smiling answer full of love.
People known for their integrity and giving, everyone who knew them loved them… simply loved them
Praying for comfort for the girls and their families…
May their memory be blessed