Some 5,000 people marched today (Friday) in Tel Aviv to mark the international Human Rights Day. Many carried signs referring to the rise of racism and xenophobia in the Israeli society. For the first time, hundreds of African asylum seekers joined the protest.
Here are some of signs and sights from the march:
Combatants for Peace: "Israelis and Palestinians, together" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
"Defense Minister: Freedom of movement is a human right, end the Gaza siege" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Instead of housing and health (the government?) is bringing the fire of racism (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
"I have the right to be different". in the back: Gaza people have the right for life with dignity (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
National Left members at the Tel Aviv human rights march. (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
"Civilians are not a target" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
There was also a counter-protest by a few dozens of members from the rightwing group Im Tirzu:
Members of Rightwing "Im Tirzu" movement at a counter protest to the Tel Aviv Human Rights March (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Im Tirzu’s name (אם תרצו, “If you wish”, or “If you want” in Hebrew) comes from a famous line by the founder of Zionism, Theodor Hertzel: “If you want it – It’s no legend.” Some leftwing protesters refereed to this same phrase with their signs:
Sign - Hertzel: "is this what you wanted?"; Shirt - "I like the neighbors: putting an end to racist incitement."
Hertzel: "That's not what I had in mind" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Finally, a view from above:
Tel Aviv Human Rights March (photo: meged gozani / activestills)
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