Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Jewish
Health, Fitness and Religion
Israelis in the Thousands Took to the Streets

Israelis in the Thousands Took to the Streets

Last updated on: July 13, 2023 at 10:46 pm by Susan P Lax

0 Comments

Israelis in the Thousands Took to the Streets 2023-07-13T22:46:43-04:00 Susan P Lax

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The pictures I was witnessing was not my Israel, it was not the country so many have given the utmost sacrifice for.

The first steps to converting Israel from a Jewish democratic state to a dictatorship passed in the Knesset on Monday night.

The following day, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets.

At the airport and corners of every kind to let their voices of disapproval be heard.

I knew my fellow Israelis would not stay quiet, their core values for equal rights and democracy would not give into silence.

However, my optimism and hope were dwindling to a faraway place, something I was not accustomed to.

Police were not very kind as they had been given the approval of the terrorist and right wing extremist government minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir to use a force for those that speak up against the government.

I stayed up all night watching on Israeli T.V. how this day of sadness, anger and worry was unfolding.

The pictures I was witnessing was not my Israel, it was not the country so many have given the utmost sacrifice for.

Israelis Protesting for Democracy

Israeli police holding back protesters

We stood in front of the Israeli Consulate, chanting words of democracy, equality and persistence.

On Tuesday, I joined my fellow New Yorkers at a demonstration, as I have done for the last number of months.

We stood in front of the Israeli Consulate, chanting words of democracy, equality and persistence.

Israelis, New Yorkers and others sang songs of hope, spoke words of inspiration and cried tears of sadness.

I looked at the Israeli flag holders around me, a man around my age with bright white hair and a trimmed beard caught my eye.

Holding the Israeli flag, he stood quietly, with his head lowered and eyes closed.

I don’t know what his exact thoughts were, but I felt a salty drop of water flow down my cheek.

A protester holding an Israeli Flag

Israel Protester in a Moment of Sadness

I held gratitude closely knowing that for now we can still have our voices heard.

On Wednesday morning I woke up with a new sense of energy.

Gratitude was clearly present in my moment.

Like a fresh breath of air for my soul.

I held gratitude closely knowing that for now we can still have our voices heard.

I will not give up, nor give in to the evil powers of dictatorship seekers.

In a few hours, across Israel, Israelis will once again gather in the thousands to have their voices be heard.

We here in NYC and across the United States will join them simultaneously.

Holding an Israeli Flag at a NYC Protest

Photo by anonymous-Me Holding an Israeli Flag at a NYC Protest

” Those who refuse to obey dictatorship are not deserters – they are heroes!” Yuval Noah Harari

I will be traveling next week to Tel-Aviv.

My plane will land at the same time my Israeli friends and family will be attending yet another protest to save democracy.

I know I may be a bit tired; I am sure I will want to drive home and shower.

But I will choose to join them.

My love for my heritage and homeland won’t let me stay away.

Yuval Noah Harari, a well known Israeli public intellectual explains it quite well in his speech at last week’s fight for democracy protest in Tel-Aviv.

His ending words carry the message of these challenging times.

” Those who refuse to obey dictatorship are not deserters – they are heroes!

We are standing here. We cannot do otherwise.”

Prof.Yuval Noah Harari at the pro-protest in Tel-Aviv

photo credit -Itai Ron, Haaretz

Learn about my weekly newsletter Morning Inspiration and my book

A Heart’s Landscape An Invitation to the Garden of Moments here

And about my The Heart to Heart Songbook performance.

History and Religion

About Susan P. Lax

Columnist Susan Lax, reminds us that no matter our adversity or circumstance to take time for our joy. She’s the author of the hardcover and e-book A HEART’S LANDSCAPE: An Invitation to the Garden of Moments. When one of Susan’s closest friends was fighting cancer and had to focus on trying to heal, they didn’t speak as often as they once did. To make sure Stephanie knew that Susan was always thinking of her each day, Susan emailed her friend a healing, positive thought first thing in the morning. Slowly, Susan discovered an ability to translate her heart words into written ones and more and more people began to receive Susan’s “Morning Inspiration” which is from where her book, A HEART’S LANDSCAPE, derived. Right now, especially with all happening in the world, Susan offers deep reminders with words and warm visuals – to take a moment and just pause – get away from the inundation and put the chaos away. Susan’s heart words and inspiring visuals guide readers to take a moment and escape all adversity and focus on carving out one joyful moment with the hope that it will lead to other good moments. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

July 5, 2023

As the Winds of War and Terror Fill the Streets of Israel and the West Bank

Next Post

July 25, 2023 Israel's Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu Just Initiated The Biggest War on Israel Since 1948

What was the name of the sea Jesus calmed during a storm?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Dead Sea Sea of Galilee Mediterranean Sea Red Sea