Thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Friday to participate in the yearly parade commemorating Human Rights Day. Among them: hundreds of Hadash and Communist Party of Israel activists. Waving red flags, signs and shouting slogans pertaining to issues such as treatment of migrants, occupation, and the cost of living ,the demonstrators set out on foot from Tel Aviv’s Kikar Habima to Rabin Square, where a “human rights concert” began at 12:30 P.M. local time. The Human Rights March is the annual assembly of thousands of people and more than 130 organizations and groups that work year-round to promote human rights, just peace, social change, equality, and democracy.
Hadash MK Dov Khenin take part in the march described the event as “a different type of politics, of values and cooperation, which is the answer to the great damage done by right-wing and neo-liberal government to faith in democracy.”
Hadash activists carrying red flags and red banners during the massive Israeli social protest, July 2011 (Photo: Al Ittihad)
Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) President Sami Michael addressed the crowd at Rabin Square, using much of his speech to bring attention to discrimination, violence and rights violations against women. “Billions are invested in national defense, but very little is in invested in defending women who on a daily basis face oppression, harassment, violence and murder,” well-know author Michael said. “Discrimination against women means that society loses out on their enormous and blessed contribution,” he added.
The song selected as the official Human Rights Day song in Israel is the song “Being Human” (Lihiyot Adam), which was written by Avihu Medina and made famous by singer Zohar Argov. A special cover version of this song, performed by Neta Elkayam and titled “Being a Woman, Being Human” (Lihiyot Isha, Lihiyot Adam) was performed during the concert.
