Hundreds of Israeli expats join pro-democracy protest in central London

Around 300 people joined a pro-democracy protest staging outside the Israeli embassy in central London on Saturday afternoon – voicing their opposition to Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition government and its assault on the country’s legal system.

The protesters – mainly Israeli expats now residing in London – help aloft placards issuing stark warnings about the influence of Religious Zionism in the Israeli government.

Regular chants could be heard from those who attended – most notably “What do we want? Democracy now!” and more simply “Democracia!”

Expats in 20 cities across the globe – from Seattle to Sofia along with those inside Israel itself – staged the simultaneous protests on Saturday.

Many on the London demo held aloft the Israeli national flags, while others such a man who identified himself by the name Aviv held up a sign reading:”Yes to Tolerant Democracy – No to Racist Theocracy.”

Aviv told Jewish News:” I am Israeli now living here who is very concerned about democracy, and all the legislation that’s being proposed in the next few weeks.

“I think that’s going to be terrible.”

Asked about his reference to “racist theology” Aviv said he had included the yellow logo of the Kahanist party Each on his banner.

“Kach was banned from the Knesset,” he added.”Their successors are now in charge – the Likud has turned into them.

“The whole government is trying to make Israel into that.”

Jewish News spoke to one of many young children who were also on the demo.

A 12 year-old girl openly described her life in Tel Aviv before moving to the UK as “hell.”

Asked for her thoughts on the new Israel government she said it was “a really bad situation.”

Alongside her mother, the girl said she had been on protests with her family “many times.”

A group of young people held up banners reading “Kids For Democracy” and “Democracy Is Cool, Make It Rule.”

Several others on the demo held up “Defend Israeli Democracy” placards.

One of the protest organisers Karen Shefet told Jewish News:”We are part of a global protest movement.

“We wanted to do in London, there are a to of Israelis and Jews who care about Israel’s future. The idea is to make impact all over the world.”

Asked about the impressive  turnout, Shefet, who moved to the UK three years ago, said it shows “people really care.”

She added:”We want to stand alongside out brothers and sisters in Israel who are protesting at the moment.”

Shefet said the protests had concentrated on opposing the proposed judicial changes in Israel which threatened the very “character of Israel” and the protection of minorities.

She said another goal of the protests to make the Israeli government take note about the damage to the country’s image that was taking place as a result of the ideology of the new government.

The demo was staged on High Street Kensington, just around the corner from the Israel Embassy, which was protected by a small number of police officers.

The atmosphere remained good natured throughout, with many motorists hooting in support.

One man, with clear links to one of Israel’s neighbouring countries, walked past clapping and ironically said:”Now you know what it’s like being a country in the Middle East.”

Plans are underway for further protests to take place, outside of Shabbat, to allow more people to attend.

Some of the Israeli expats asked Jewish News about the scale of opposition to the Israel government amongst the community here.