Galilee residents to protest government neglect
Politicians promised billions of shekels for the development of the Galilee economy, but these initiatives have failed to materialize; northern residents preparing to protest at the Knesset as it opens its winter session.
The plan, which was not included in the national budget, would have increased economic opportunities, healthcare availability, public transportation, and employment in the north, as well as strengthen its building and road infrastructure. The region is currently in an economic crisis.
Mayors, regional council heads, and Knesset members enlisted to the cause. They have sent letters to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, and Interior and Minister of the Development of the Negev and Galilee Aryeh Deri. They called on them to enact this “historic, correct, and just” decision to invest in the north.
The million and a half million residents living in the Galilee are fed up with the promises of politicians, and find it hard to believe that the Knesset members who were elected to represent them managed to increase the budget from zero today to NIS 18 billion, as promised.
After setting up a protest tent on the northern border and hanging giant banners around the region denouncing the government, residents of the Galilee have been asked to go to the Knesset so that lawmakers can see and hear their cries.
“This is just the opening shot,” said Nissin Zoabi, one of the leaders of the Changing Direction organization.
“We will flood the Knesset with residents from the north, because if the government won’t come to the Galilee, the Galilee will go to them.”
“A vast majority of MKs support our struggle,” Zoabi claimed. “It is upon them to change the government. We expect bi-partisan support to promote the Galilee.”
MK Dr. Yifat Shasha-Biton (Kulanu party), a resident of the Galilee town of Kiryat Shmona, claims Finance Minister Kahlon (leader of Kulanu) has made efforts to implement the stimulus plan, and that she is "certain it will be put in practice and implemented." According to Shasha-Biton, Kahlon is supposed to meet municipality heads from the north and senior Finance Ministry officials this week in order to further the issue.
Hundreds of demonstrators have already signed up for a spot on one of several busses which will transport them from the north to Jerusalem. One of the northern municipal leaders among them is Eli Malka, Head of the Golan Regional Council. "We are working faithfully, determined to save the Galilee," he said, "(Working) alongside Knesset members from the coalition parties, we will not allow the continued incorrect and unjust distribution of government resources while abandoning the north and its residents. We will continue, and intensify, the struggle as long as is needed – including a full strike in the Galilee."
