Acclaimed British-Israeli architect Arad praises ‘amazing’ anti-Netanyahu protesters
Ron Arad joined protesters outside the North London residence of Israeli ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely to express his support for those demonstrating against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The acclaimed British-Israeli architect Ron Arad has heaped praise on the anti-Benjamin Netanyahu protest movement, both in Israel and across the globe, after attending the latest demonstration staged outside ambassador Tzipi Hotovely’s residence in north London.
Arad, joined around 250 protesters at Sunday evening’s demo, where a succession of speakers warned that the Netanyahu government was closer than ever in succeeding in advancing legislation that overhaul the judiciary and hand unprecedented power to the hard-right coalition.
Standing across the road from Israeli ambassador to the UK Hotovely’s residence, the internationally-recognised designer and Royal Academican told Jewish News: “I support the protest movement and if there’s any optimism coming out of Israel today, it’s this movement.”
Paying further respects to those organising protests across Israel and in this country, Arad, who was born in Tel Aviv, and who studied at at the Bezalel Academy of Art before moving to London in 1973, said those taking to the streets to show their opposition to Netanyahu’s bill were “amazing people, doing amazing work… absolutely admirable.”
Protest tonight outside the Israeli ambassador’s house in London – standing in solidarity and in preparation for a dramatic week in Israel ????????✊ pic.twitter.com/v186YbxSWG
— Defend Israeli Democracy UK (@defendisraeluk) July 16, 2023
Sunday’s London demo was the second weekend protest to be staged outside the ambassador’s residence, and there was a clear increase in involvement from non-Israel-born members of the community living here.
The organisers wish to make their disapproval of what is taking place in Israel clear to the Jewish state’s leading representative in the UK.
Next week in Israel, further legislation is expected to be passed in the Knesset, abolishing the country’s “Reasonableness Doctrine” after the bill was approved in its first reading last week to weaken the role of the judiciary to strike down government decisions.
Tens of thousands of protesters had packed the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday night, marking the 28th straight week of demonstrations against Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary.
Protest leaders in Israel have promised further “days of disruption” lie ahead.
London protesters sing Hatikva after one speaker says the ‘liberal Zionist’ state is 2 weeks away from being crushed by Netanyahu government’s judicial overhaul pic.twitter.com/u0UIW2vTVa
— lee harpin (@lmharpin) July 16, 2023
Sharon Shochat, one the Defend Israeli Democracy UK protest organisers, told Jewish News:”We have only 14 more days for this Knesset before the summer recess – a critical time in which the Netanyahu government will try to pass their abhorrent laws.
“I call on anyone who is still sitting on the fence, including the Jewish communal leadership, to speak now, before it’s too late.”
One speaker at the demo suggested that if the judicial reforms were not stopped Israel’s “liberal Zionist” ideals would be confined to history.
Brent Council cabinet member Neil Nevra was among those to join the protest, along with his wife Deborah, who represents Belsize Square synagogue on the Board of Deputies.
A banner on display at the protest read:”Israeli Democracy Is Receding Faster Than Bibi’s Hairline”. While another stated: “From the river to sea we demand democracy.”
A small number of individuals held up banners suggesting “Democracy and Occupation Cannot Coexist.” While two members of the far-left Socialist Party, including Sacha Baron Cohen’s older brother Amnon, were told not to raise flags linked to their organisation at the protest.
Organisers confirmed they were told their flags did not represent the cause the demo was being held for, to protect Israeli democracy.
Metropolitan police officers watched on as the demo began at 7pm, but recognising the good natured spirit of the crowd, did not intervene at any time, and at one stage told organisers only to ask if they needed any help or advice.
Armed guards were visible inside the residence, suggesting ambassador Hotovely was inside.
Nearing the end of the protest, a rousing rendition of the Hatikva was sung by nearly all, with some of those in attendance moved to tears by the anthem’s significance at a time of great crisis in Israel.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
