Protests against Israel’s judicial reforms reaches Parliament Square, Israeli embassy
The 200-strong crowd in Westminster was made up of Israelis and members of the British Jewish community, with several Rabbis attending.
Around 200 people gathered in Parliament Square on Sunday to protest against the Israeli government’s judicial coup, after Monday’s passage of the “reasonableness law.”
While in previous protests, the majority of the protesters were Israelis, the crowd was an equal mixture of both Israelis and members of the British Jewish community, with several rabbis attending.
Rabbi Charlie Baginsky, the CEO of Liberal Judaism, sent a strong message of support: “Progressive Jewish leaders – including Rabbi Colin Eimer and myself – are at today’s demonstration for Israeli democracy.”
Progressive Jewish leaders – including Rabbi Colin Eimer and @RabCharley – are at today’s demonstration for Israeli democracy.
Read why we stand against the judicial overhaul being forced through by Israel’s far-right Government here: https://t.co/fZrzh6SAkq#choosedemocracy pic.twitter.com/33O7O7lSUE
— Liberal Judaism (@LiberalJudaism) July 30, 2023
Speakers included Sheldon Stone, a regular attendee in the protests, who said: “It was hard for me to come here today as I have never criticised Israel publicly before for fear of encouraging our enemies. However I judged that they are more encouraged by the internal divisions in Israel itself that this rushed judicial reform has caused.”
“So I come with sadness but with Chesed Chinam (endless love) towards Israel, hoping for a legislative pause and meaningful discussions that will root any outcome in the principles of Israeli’s Declaration of Independence to which so many of its citizens wish to hold fast to,” Stone added.
The protest lasted an hour and finished with Hatikva in the pouring rain. Sharon Shochat from organisers Defend Israeli Democracy UK said: “It was a real joy singing in the rain and taking in the wonderful atmosphere. I believe that the silver lining to this catastrophe is the huge awakening we see in Israel, as well as here in the UK, of communities coming together to protect equality and freedom in Israel.”
On Thursday, a different protest took place in London against the judicial reforms, with activists from “Bonot Alternativa” (Building an Alternative, the women’s protest) bringing The Handmaid’s Tale display to the entrance of the Israeli Consulate and Embassy along with a sign saying: “Embassy of Gilead” (the country from the dystopian series, The Handmaid’s Tale).
“Today is Tisha B’Av, a day of reflection for us all – as individuals; as a community; as a nation and as a people – asking ourselves what Israel means to us and what shape it will take in the future. We will continue fighting for our rights in Israel, now and in the long term,” Bonot Alternativa London said in a statement.
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