Acclaimed British-Israeli architect Arad praises ‘amazing’ anti-Netanyahu protesters

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.”

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.

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.