'I believe in politics of love, not hate' - Rababah hits back at racist abuse

Updated 12.45 pm with ADPD and Robert Abela comments

Labour candidate Omar Rababah has hit back at a wave of Islamophobic abuse following his election candidacy, insisting he believes in “politics of love, not hate”.

Speaking to Times of Malta on Sunday, Rababah, a Maltese Muslim of Syrian descent, said he was anticipating the hateful comments when he announced his candidacy.

“I have received a lot of hate since announcing the election, but I believe in politics of love, not hate,” he said.  

“I think a lot of this is an orchestrated campaign because some believe that I can attract voters that usually do not vote for Labour,” he said.

Rababah, a social worker and a vocal activist, announced his candidacy with the Labour Party on Saturday, saying he was asked to do so by Prime Minister Robert Abela. 

"I would like to be the politician I have always expected politicians to be. I will not promise perfection, because I am certainly not perfect. I promise genuineness and loyalty to what I believe in," he said in a social media video posted as he announced his candidacy.

Since announcing his political intentions, Rababah has faced a barrage of racist and hateful comments on social media, with some insisting that a Muslim man should be barred from contesting local politics.

Reacting to the hate comments, Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed his solidarity with Rababah whom he described as a “friend”. 

“Thank you for your courage. We are behind you,” Abela told the crowd at the mass rally in Naxxar on Sunday.

The Nationalist Party also condemned “all forms of racist comments, personal attacks and hate, as well as remarks that discriminate on the basis of religion or gender and undermine respect for the individual”.

“The Nationalist Party has always worked in favour of an inclusive society that gives a voice to everyone. Every individual should enjoy the same level of respect, dignity and opportunities,” the PN told Times of Malta.

“Anyone who chooses to contribute to the country deserves to be treated with dignity, regardless of their origin or beliefs. Better politics begins with respect and reason.”

Momentum also expressed solidarity with Rababah, pointing out that he has “every right to contest the elections” as a Maltese citizen.

"Racial origins or religious beliefs have nothing to do with all this. A functioning democracy allows full political and religious liberty to its citizens, irrespective of their family’s original country of origin. All political leaders should remind their supporters on the real meaning of tolerance and solidarity,” Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said.

ADPD condemned the racist comments, pointing out a “strong democracy is one that is capable of celebrating diversity in a context of freedom of expression that is respectful of others.”

Top government official Ryan Spagnol has also called out the comments.  

“The filth and hatred in comments and videos that are being systematically posted to tear down Omar Rababah are disgusting,” the cabinet secretary said. 

“He simply announced that he will be a candidate in the next election, and some people felt the need to drag him through the mud,” Spagnol said.  

The cabinet secretary highlighted Rababah's activist background pointing out how he "grew up in the streets of our villages, playing football and helping in the community". 

"We remember him in Pulse working hard like everyone else... Today he contributes to the social field more than the chest-thumping of those who believe in the purity of the Maltese".

The PL’s youth wing also condemned the comments, claiming that many of the fake profiles posting racist comments “are very close to the Nationalist Party”.