An amazing victory for our community and democracy

05/11/23

An amazing victory for our community and democracy! Last week Itamr Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security of Israel, planned a government vote on radical changes to the decisions of the Or Committee, changes that would allow to open fire at protestors blocking traffic routes needed by the army. We immediately began a Zazim campaign demanding cabinet members to veto the changes.

Public pressure worked! Thanks to more than 29,000 Zazim members, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara blocked the vote on the proposed changes, and issue was removed from the government agenda.

The Or Committee, established to investigate police shootings of Arab protestors in October 2000, allowed use of live fire only when police officers' lives are endangered, and not as a means to counter protests and blocking of routes. The change in regulations, aimed first and foremost against Palestinian civilians of Israel, is yet another government step in the direction of dictatorship and curbing the freedom to protest.

Before the changes were shelved, media reports suggested that Baharav-Miara supported Ben Gvir's proposed changes. But thanks to our campaign, and to activists like you, Benny Gantz pressured her not to allow a vote on the proposals, leading to the prime-minister to remove his backing of the proposed changes.

We know that Ben Gvir's zealotry doesn't end there – he'll always find the way to incite, promote dictatorial bills and increase the tension on the ground, and we'll always find the way to act for peace, for freedom and democracy for all those living here, Jews and Arabs.

Photo: Demonstration in Umm El Fahem 26.2.2021, Adalah.