Protesters march in Tel Aviv against government corruption for third week
Over 10,000 demonstrators march from Rothschild Boulevard to Habima Square in protest of 'foot-dragging' in investigations against PM Netanyahu; 'Corruption is a strategic danger to the society in Israel,' says religious-Zionist Rabbi Yuval Cherlow at rally.
At the beginning of the march, protesters sang a song befitting the Hanukkah holiday, "Sura Choshech" ('Go away, darkness!'). They also held a public lighting of the fifth candle of Hanukkah.
Protesters held up signs saying "Corrupted, we're fed up with you," "Corrupted, go home," "An entire nation held hostage by Amsalem," "Crime minister," and "Sweeping out the corrupted."
"Corruption is a strategic danger to the society in Israel. Corruption means the exploitation of power by those given power, power that is being used not to the expressed purposes it was given for," Rabbi Cherlow said. "Power is vital, but it is dangerous and could send the country down to the abyss. The prophets warned power-holders from rulers' power."
"I call on the Israeli government to stop passing different laws under the guise of governance. They're trying to hurt other authorities," he added.
He went on to say, "In two weeks, the police commissioner will announce there is a recommendation to indict the prime minister for bribery. He tried to run away... but the struggle that has lasted for 56 weeks, and began in Petah Tikvah, is about to end."
Eldad Yaniv and Meni Naftali were able to draw tens of thousands of participants for the last two rallies—the likes of which have not been seen in Tel Aviv since the 2011 social justice protest.
"Yesterday (Friday), Bibi's (Netanyahu) seventh round of questioning concluded in Case 1000 and Case 2000. There have been NIS 800,000 in bribes given there, this is what Police Commissioner Alsheikh is going to tell the attorney general in two weeks," Yaniv wrote on social media, calling upon the public to come out and protest. "There's a massive drama developing. Bibi is sending AG Mandelblit to start a false and evil fight against Alsheikh to turn him into a 'traitor' and (discredit) the police's recommendations. The only way they understand is by having a boulevard filled with people."
Yaniv also addressed criticism after three participants in last week's rally wore an outfit with the letters BDS on it. "There's no use for all of the BDSers and liars coming to boulevard, they're insane. The protest against corruption has to do with both the Left and the Right. That is why Rabbi Yuval Cherlow is coming to speak. Our victory picture would be the see tens of thousands of people marching on the boulevard."
Meanwhile, some 350 people protested government corruption in Jerusalem, marching from Paris Square toward the Prime Minister's Residence. The residence's security, however, blocked access to Balfour Street, where the official residence is located.
Protesters held up signs saying: "Fascism now, anarchy later" and "The public won't remain silent, dictatorship is no laughing matter."
A similar demonstration was also held at the Tzemach Junction in northern Israel.
