Jerusalem: Israel seems to be setting a new standard for public protests in the age of coronavirus.
During the past two weekends, thousands of people have gathered in perfect geometric patterns in Tel Aviv’s central square to comply with social distancing rules as they express their anger over the continued rule of a Prime Minister charged with serious crimes.
The demonstrations, resembling a vast glowing human matrix in stunning aerial photos, have become a symbol of Israel’s duelling political and health challenges. They also contrast with other hotspots of civic unrest at a time when gatherings are restricted or banned around the world.
“If we want to succeed, we need to do it the right way,” said protest organiser Shikma Schwarzmann. “We obey the law.”
Civic protests are common in Israel. When the government imposed movement restrictions last month, it made exceptions for protests as long as participants stayed two meters apart from each other.
Schwarzmann, a particle physicist at Israel’s renowned Weizmann Institute of Science, said she never intended to become a political activist but was galvanised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s behaviour. Many believe his actions, cloaked in the battle against the coronavirus, are really aimed at avoiding prosecution for corruption charges and remaining in power.
Read the article in The Sydney Morning Herald (AP).