Images from Tel Aviv’s 2010 Human Rights March

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:

Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
Combatants for Peace: "Israelis and Palestinians, together" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
"Defense Minister: Freedom of movement is a human right, end the Gaza siege" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
Instead of housing and health (the government?) is bringing the fire of racism (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
"I have the right to be different". in the back: Gaza people have the right for life with dignity (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
National Left members at the Tel Aviv human rights march. (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
"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:

Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
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:

Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
Sign - Hertzel: "is this what you wanted?"; Shirt - "I like the neighbors: putting an end to racist incitement."
Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
Hertzel: "That's not what I had in mind" (photo: Yossi Gurvitz)

Finally, a view from above:

Images from Tel Aviv's 2010 Human Rights March
Tel Aviv Human Rights March (photo: meged gozani / activestills)