The march in protest of the security situation in Sderot began in the town in the direction of Jerusalem Tuesday.
The march grew in numbers as more and more citizens joined those making their way to the capital on foot Tuesday night. Fifty people were expected to resume the march towards the holy city Wednesday morning.
Elia Tsur, a 25 year old student from Jerusalem, arrived in Sderot last Thursday and began organizing the march. “We are a group of Israeli citizens who are simply saying that we demand safety for residents of Israel,” he explained.
“It is unacceptable that Sderot residents should fight for all residents of the country, while everyone else gets on with their lives. This is the time to stop work or class, and participate in the protest,” he urged.
Tsur pointed out that since the march began Tuesday, people from all over the country have joined it. According to him, even people passing by in cars have walked a kilometer or two as a sign of solidarity and then continue on their way.
So far, the marchers have walked about 52 kilometers (32 miles), and were scheduled to arrive in Jerusalem by Thursday.
On their shoulders, the marchers carried a model of a Qassam rocket which said “from Sderot with love”. The rocket would be taken to the prime ministers office on Thursday.
One marcher clarified, “We are not fighting because we are from Sderot and we feel hurt or deprived. We are fighting for the need of bringing safety to the residents of the country. This country used to know how to protect its residents, up to the very last one.”
The marchers urged others to join them and to arrive with them at the prime minister’s office to send a unified message for security.