Protesters in Tel Aviv Rally against Racism and Homophobia, Blast Extreme Right-Wing Groups

Hundreds took to the streets, filling one of Tel Aviv’s main boulevards, on Saturday night, August 8, to protest the recent fatal stabbing at the Jerusalem Gay Pride parade as well as the deadly arson attack in the occupied West Bank village in Duma. The protestors gathered on Rothschild Boulevard at the corner of Nahmani Street facing Metzudat Ze’ev, headquarters of the Likud, carrying signs reading “Homophobia and racism breed the same violence.” They also chanted slogans against the Likud and the HaBayit HaYehudi party, often labeled as the party of the settlers.

Activists of the Young Communist League in Israel during the Tel-Aviv rally against homophobia and racism, August 8

Activists of the Young Communist League in Israel during the Tel-Aviv rally against homophobia and racism, August 8 (Photo: Activestills)

“Anyone who incites hate against us – against entire communities – those who discriminate against us and define us as ‘obscene’ or as an enemy are spilling our blood. Whoever does this cannot escape responsibility when a knife is raised or a fire is lit,” said the protestors. “We demand that actions be taken against the terrorist organization ‘Lahava’ and for MK Bezalel Smotrich (HaBayit HaYehudi) to be fired from his position as deputy speaker of the Knesset. We also demand the abolition of discriminatory laws.” Among those rallying were members of the Communist Party of Israel, Hadash, Young Communist League and Meretz.