'Two states, One hope'—peace demonstration held in Rabin Square
Several left wing parties and organizations hold a massive demonstration in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, closing down large parts of the city; 'This is our time to take to the streets and show President Trump that there is a large camp in Israel that supports peace and calls for an end to the occupation and the conflict between us and the Palestinians.'
During the rally, organizers read a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in which he pledged peace on the basis of the two-state solution. "It is our duty to the future generations to put an end to the conflict. Together, we will make a brave peace," wrote Abbas.
The demonstration has led to the blocking of several main thoroughfares in Tel Aviv, including Ibn Gabirol from Shaul Hamelech Boulevard to Arlozoroff; Frishman from Masaryk Square to Ibn Gabirol; King David Boulevard from Weizman to Ibn Gabirol; Gordon St. from King Solomon St. to Malkhei Yisrael St.; Malkhei Yisrael St. from Ben Gurion Boulevard to Sderot Chen; Sderot Chen from Netzach Yisrael Street to Frishman; Ben Gurion Boulevard from Raines to Ibn Gabirol; Hadassah from King Solomon to Ibn Gabirol and Bloch from Arlozoroff to Ibn Gabirol.
The demonstration is being organized by Peace Now and includes the Labor and Meretz parties, the Geneva Initiative, the New Israel Fund, "Standing Together," "Zazim," "Reinforcing the Left on the Web," and others.
In addition to party leaders and left-wing organization heads, Balkan Beat Box, Achinoam Nini, Alma Zohar and Los Caparos will all be performing at the demonstration.
Avi Buskila, director of Peace Now, issued a statement, saying, "We will go to the streets en masse to protest the lack of hope offered by the right-wing government, the occupation, violence and racism. This is our time to take to the streets and show President Trump that there is a large camp in Israel that supports peace and calls for an end to the occupation and the conflict between us and the Palestinians.
"From Rabin Square, a clear message will be sent: Yes to hope—not to be afraid, yes to two states—not to one bi-national state, yes to a better future for Israel—no to annexation and continued control over millions of Palestinians in the West Bank."
Against the background of the demonstration, candidates for the leadership of the Zionist Union today spoke about a possible entry into a unity government.
MK Amir Peretz said, " Netanyahu should really stop with his shameful games. No unity government or entry into the right-wing government headed by Netanyahu is on the agenda. In a month and a half when I'm elected to the head of Labor, the rules of the game will change. Against Netanyahu is a fighting opposition that will bring the end of his rule."
The chairman of the Zionist Union, MK Isaac Herzog, said that "there is no negotiation and no political process. If there is a process and if it is serious, ask me about the possibility of supporting the process from the opposition, not the government."
