(MENAFN) Simon Slama and his family are the only Jews left in the Tunisian city of Monastir, once home to a thriving Jewish community. But instead of joining the exodus, he is running for office - as a candidate of Tunisia's Islamist party.
Slama's candidacy with the Ennahdha party in May municipal elections is causing a sensation in this overwhelmingly Muslim country.
Comrades in the Ennahdha party say that Slama is the suitable choice to represent Monastir - a symbolic town for Tunisians as it is the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba, the father of the country's independence.
"He comes from an ancient family. He has his roots in Monastir". and he knows the town's problems," says Chokri ben Janet, who heads the party's candidate list in the town.
"Ennahdha has changed its strategy - it is no longer a religious party, it is a civil party," he says.
MENAFN2904201800450000ID1096786382
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.