Jerusalem - Demonstrators filled the streets of Israel's largest cities Saturday night to protest the country's high cost of living, winding down a summer-long movement that has fizzled in recent weeks because of rising security concerns.
Saturday's protest brought more than 400,000 to the streets, according to initial police estimates, falling short of the "million person" march organizers hoped would be the largest social protest in the country's history. The crowds marched in cities across the country chanting "the people demand social justice" and "we want a welfare state."
The march will mark the end of a chapter in Israel's first large-scale domestic protest movement. In the past two months, thousands of Israelis have erected tent cities across the country to protest skyrocketing housing prices. Weekly protests held on Saturday night broke records in the Jewish State — drawing nearly 300,000 people on Aug. 6.
"we want a welfare state"?
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable. It is absolutely pathetic that the world has come to this.
I'd have to SEE and HEAR THAT particular "we want a welfare state" chant. I don't believe it. Maybe in Detroit or Philadelphia, but I find it REALLY hard to believe it was said (by 300-400, 000) people in Israel. Thats NOT the Jewish state of mind. BUT, on a larger note, with foreclosures still going strong in the US, REAL unenployment at 12-17%, gas prices continually rising, food prices also rising quickly, energy prices up by double digits, and no corresponding increase in wages (US companies sitting on BILLIONS in cash reserves, but will not hire, NOR increase wages), well these massive demonstrations could be coming soon to a neighborhood near YOU. Look at at the countires around the world who are, and have been, squeezed to the point of riots and civil unrest. But take heart --- the bankers and traders are VERY happy with THEIR wealth. And VERY happy to see armed agents of the government making sure "we, the people" stay in line and don't get too uppity.
ReplyDeleteI found it hard to believe also.
ReplyDeleteAnd about half of your rant made sense. You went off the deep end towards the end of your speech.