One year
after waves of protests in Tel Aviv, thousands are taking to the streets again,
demanding political reforms. The mood darkened over the weekend following the
self-incineration of an activist.
The slogan
of last year's protests is back as young Israelis take to the streets of Tel
Aviv to chant, "The people demand social justice!" Demonstrators are
renewing the criticism of high living costs and low wages that they levelled in
2011. The cities of Jerusalem, Haifa and Beersheba have seen similar protests.
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| Once more, Israelis are protesting on broad social issues |
Saturday's
protest brought a smaller number of participants than expected, but those who
were on hand displayed confidence. "This, by itself, is quite a big change
already," demonstrator Aya Schwedt said. "Many people have gotten a
lot more active after long years of saying nothing - just staying at home and
being collectively depressed."
Self-incineration
The demand
for social justice in Israel has many faces - and many issues. But there are
signs that the general mood is shifting. Some have grown more somber, and
others have turned to drastic measures.
Following
protests on Saturday, a middle-aged man dowsed himself with a flammable liquid
and then set himself on fire. He was admitted to a hospital with severe burns.
Before setting himself ablaze, he had read out a letter outlining the financial
difficulties he faces. The case has shocked the nation and underscored some
protesters' concerns.
"I
believe, to really be successful, we also need to address the big topics that
shape our society," one young demonstrator said, adding, "It starts
with a dialogue on the Israeli occupation, on the priorities of this country,
which only spends money on the military and only talks about security, the military,
rockets and Iran."
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| Drastic measures: a protestor set himself on fire |
One of the
faces of the movement, journalist Stav Shaffir, also says she has grown more
thoughtful this summer. A petite woman with fiery red hair, she was among the
small group of people who, last year, were the first to put up tents at
Rothschild Boulevard - marking the beginning of a summer of protests.
"Much
has happened since then," the 27 year-old said. "We've lost our
naivety. We thought that the government would take some responsibility. We
thought they would admit that mistakes have been made and now would be the time
to go in a new direction. But that hasn't happened."
Seeking
more political influence
In 2011,
tens of thousands of people took to the streets throughout the country. The
initial protests against high rents and the cost of living turned into a
broader movement with more general demands. Both within Israel and from abroad,
sympathizers followed what happened around colorful tents set up on Rothschild
Boulevard. A survey conducted by the daily Haaretz, however, showed that only
26 percent of all Israelis felt their living conditions had improved after the
protests - a sobering result for some, and reason for others to renew their
demonstrations.
 |
| A face of the movement: journalist Stav Shaffir |
"Last
summer was magical," Stav Shaffir said. "But we shouldn't attempt to
repeat that." Instead, Shaffir believes now would be the time for trying
out other strategies to influence politics. "We are spreading out to different
corners of this country, creating groups that address social issues, such as
health care, taxes or the environment. Our political system needs fresh
blood!"
Shaffir
added that the politics as usual has lost credibility for many young people.
She noted that she did not know whom to vote for during the last election:
"I want to vote for someone I can trust."
New waves
of protests
A second
group of protesters have begun voicing their discontent. At the Arlozoroff
station in Tel Aviv, activists put up camouflage tents; their call is for
fairness in the military draft. On Saturday, June 14, 20,000 Israelis came
together for a demonstration in Tel Aviv, demanding no more exceptions from
compulsory military service for the Haredim, communities of ultra-Orthodox
Jews.
 |
| Protests now include the demand for a universal military draft law |
Boaz Nol is
one of the protesters angry at people he calls "slackers," who try to
escape from the draft. He is now 34 and has finished his service, but he still
must go back for one or two weeks each year to take part in exercises.
"We do
have a draft in Israel. Every citizen - male or female - has to join the army
at the age of 18. We all have to serve our country, and we don't get asked if
we want to or not," Nol said. "Unfortunately, due to politics, we
have this strictly religious faction within our society that is exempt from
that. And we are here to say that this isn't fair."
Demanding a
universal military draft
Adi Cohen
is another protester enduring the smothering heat to get the signatures of
passer-bys. Three of her four children have already completed their service,
and the fourth is currently serving.
"The
ultra-Orthodox must also serve. Their children, too, have to be drafted once
they turn 18. Only after that should they be allowed to go to work or
study." It's only fair that if her son has to sacrifice three years for
his country, all Israelis should be obligated to do the same, Cohen said.
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| Military draft law protesters take to the streets |
Universal
draft supporters cite frustrations with the government's political zigzagging.
Legislators need to approve a new military draft law by August, but they have
so far failed to agree on the fundamentals.
Activists
aim to keep up the pressure: the next big demonstration is scheduled for as
early as the upcoming week.
Author: Tanja Krämer / ag
Editor: Greg Wiser
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