Fighting for equality
Photo: Yaron Brener
Protesters block major intersection
Social activists gather in Tel Aviv to protest rising prices. 'Everyone has right to dignified life,' they say
While most of the populations continues show its indifference regarding the recent price-hike in the market, dozens of social activists took to the streets on Thursday, blocking the major intersection of Kaplan and Menachem Begin streets at the heart of Tel Aviv. Some of the demonstrators were disabled, obstructing the roads with their wheelchairs and causing traffic jams.
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Despite the traffic jams, many drivers were supportive of the demonstration, while others honked to express their frustration.
Roads blocked (Photo: Yaron Brener)
"I want everyone to have the right to live in Israel with dignity," Lee Levy, one of the protesters, told Ynet. "That means housing, water, electricity, health care, education and food should be the basic right of every man. The people demand to redistribute the wealth and the land more equally."
Another demonstrator, Magen Dahari, clarified that the location for the rally was not random. "It's a determined and strong operation intended to block off the most Nouveau riche intersection in the country," he hinted at the Tel Aviv residents.
"When you look at this place you might confuse yourself and think the financial situation is excellent. However the real picture is completely the opposite as far as the middle class is concerned. People can't manage to live a dignified life."
Dahari also rejected the economic relief measures announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just last week. "Living with dignity isn't just about fuel, water, rent or property tax. We're fighting to change the system which privatizes the state so only a few families benefit from it."
At a social crossroad (Photo: Yaron Brener)
On pamphlets being handed out at the rally the activists wrote: "This is the beginning of a social revolution. We are the State, we are the people, we are the public. We're not violating the public order, we want to adjust it. The recent price-hike clearly show the citizens are being exploited and belittled."
The protesters called on decision makers to "stop funding political, shady business plans at our expense. No more funding your pleasures at the expense of the disappearing middle class. This is our opportunity to make those above understand, this is a crossover where the public is rearing it's head, waking up and making the decision to stop being the scapegoat. Today we all tell our leaders – enough!"
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