TEL AVIV—About 400,000 Israelis across the country joined street demonstrations Saturday evening, in the mounting protests against the country’s economic policies and other social issues.
If media estimates of 300,000 people in Tel Aviv, and another 100,000 in other cities are accurate, it would mean 5 percent of the population took part in the movement over the weekend, making it likely the largest protest in Israel’s history.
The protests started in July mainly focusing on high and rising housing prices. They have since expanded to include a variety of social causes from demanding social justice for the Arab population and seniors, to advocating naturalism, or promoting religious faith.
Nonetheless, the core demands heard from protesters still focus on issues such as the housing crisis, high commodities prices, and the rising cost of education.
Hundreds of tents are still pitched along Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, where the protest first started.
The crowd in Tel Aviv’s Kikar Hamedina, a large square in the center of the city, shouted slogans like “the people demand social justice,” held banners, and listened to speeches and performances by popular artists supporting the cause.
While some demonstrators are calling for the overthrow of the government, others support the administration and urge it to fight cartels and restrict tycoons.
“We are the ‘new Israelis’ and the ’new Israelis’ will not give up,” said National Student Union chair Itzik Shmuli at the rally. “The ‘new Israelis’ demand change, and they will not stop fighting until real solutions are presented,” he shouted.
If media estimates of 300,000 people in Tel Aviv, and another 100,000 in other cities are accurate, it would mean 5 percent of the population took part in the movement over the weekend, making it likely the largest protest in Israel’s history.
The protests started in July mainly focusing on high and rising housing prices. They have since expanded to include a variety of social causes from demanding social justice for the Arab population and seniors, to advocating naturalism, or promoting religious faith.
Nonetheless, the core demands heard from protesters still focus on issues such as the housing crisis, high commodities prices, and the rising cost of education.
Hundreds of tents are still pitched along Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, where the protest first started.
The crowd in Tel Aviv’s Kikar Hamedina, a large square in the center of the city, shouted slogans like “the people demand social justice,” held banners, and listened to speeches and performances by popular artists supporting the cause.
While some demonstrators are calling for the overthrow of the government, others support the administration and urge it to fight cartels and restrict tycoons.
“We are the ‘new Israelis’ and the ’new Israelis’ will not give up,” said National Student Union chair Itzik Shmuli at the rally. “The ‘new Israelis’ demand change, and they will not stop fighting until real solutions are presented,” he shouted.
