Issam Makhoul
Issam Makhoul ( , ; born 18 July 1952) is an Israeli Arab politician who served as a member of the Knesset for Hadash between 1999 and 2006. As the Secretary General of Maki, and together with the Central Committee of the party, he directs all communist activities in Israel as well as being responsible for relationships with communist parties in other countries. In late 2003, he was the target of a failed assassination attempt, when a car bomb exploded beneath his vehicle as his wife was backing it out of their driveway. Biography. Born in Israel, Makhoul studied philosophy and  sociology at the University of Haifa, gaining a BA. During his time at university he also became chairman of the National Union of Arab Students. After graduating he worked as a sociologist, and was a member of the Emile Touma Institute for Political and Historical Research. He is married to Suad. Political career. Knesset activities. Makhoul was elected to the Knesset in 1999 on Hadash's list, and re-elected in 2003. He was an active critic of Israel's nuclear weapons program, and in 2000 was the first Knesset member to attempt a break in Israel's "nuclear ambiguity