Omar Rababah addresses Labour event: ‘I am Malta’

Prospective Labour candidate and social worker Omar Rababah said the past days had been “difficult” for him and his family following a wave of xenophobic abuse after announcing his intention to contest the general election.

Addressing a Labour Party event in Santa Lucija on Wednesday evening and visibly emotional, Rababah said the criticism had taken a toll. He was flanked by his mother, his partner and mother of his child, and his grandfather.

“These past five days have felt like 10 years,” he told supporters.

Rababah sought to underline his ties to Malta, recounting his upbringing and community involvement. He said he had played in the streets of Qormi, lived in Zebbug and served on a band club subcommittee.

Prospective Labour candidate and social worker Omar Rababah

“I am someone who loves all that is Maltese, and will defend all that is Maltese,” he said. “I am Malta. We are united for a better Malta.”

He added that he had brought his family with him to the event to demonstrate his “Malteseness”.

“I am part of you. Help me defend our country,” he said.

Explaining his decision to run on the Labour ticket, Rababah said he believed in social justice and that this was why he chose the Labour Party.

At one point during the speech, Rababah said his nomination “is in the drawer” and that he could either contest the election or step back, prompting chants of “contest, contest” from the crowd.

“I will be submitting my nomination, and if I am accepted, I will continue to contribute to this great team,” he said.

At the end of the event, Rababah was embraced by Prime Minister Robert Abela.