article_snippet: , Ayman Odeh was the star attraction.
article_snippet: While Ayman Odeh is an Israeli citizen, the charismatic 41-year-old lawyer is of Palestinian descent -- one of 1.6 million Israeli Arabs living in Israel.
article_snippet: Odeh politely noted that Lieberman Joint List was polling well ahead of the left-wing Meretz Party.
article_snippet: With that calm, dignified response, Odeh attracted political star status among Jews and Arabs alike.
article_snippet: In the Wadi Nisnas neighborhood of Haifa where Odeh grew up, the shopkeepers and restaurant owners welcome Leiberman as a native son.
article_snippet: Odeh goes door to door with the ease of a natural politician, speaking about the importance of turning out to vote to ensure his Joint List gets enough seats to change the face of the Israeli government.
article_snippet: With a large block in parliament, Odeh says Leiberman would have a greater platform to press for better treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories and to speak out about the need for a Palestinian state living beside Israel.
article_snippet: Sitting on a stoop chopping celery stalks for the grocery store across the street, Sami Abuliat says Odeh is a good spokesman for Palestinians living inside Israel.
article_snippet: Odeh would be entitled to a seat on Israel's foreign affairs committee in the Knesset and is obligated to address the Knesset after every speech by The Prime Minister.
article_snippet: Odeh says Odeh needs the help of Israeli Jews, who Odeh hopes one day will become a greater voice in the cause of social justice for all Israelis.
highlights_snippet: Ayman Odeh is a new face in politics:
highlights_snippet: Ayman Odeh is an Israeli citizen and a charismatic lawyer of Palestinian descent .
  