by Rabbi Sara Sapadin
We received word early Shabbat afternoon: head to Kaplan Street near Azrieli between 7 and 7:30. After fourteen consecutive weeks, Israelis would rally for democracy once again— throughout the streets of Tel Aviv and in several cities beyond. Even in the face of Friday’s terror attack, which occurred on the promenade in Tel Aviv, the rally would go on. Organizers would comply with police and security, making some alterations to the evening’s schedule, but the demonstration would continue.
My family and I had come to Israel for many reasons: first, it had been nearly four and a half years since we had touched down in Israel; it was past time to reconnect with the land we love so dearly. Second, dear friends of ours were hosting B’nai Mitzvah in Israel; it was our privilege to share in the celebrations. Third, our son would be traveling in Israel with his high school class; we thought if he was going, why not get in on the action? But as the departure date drew nearer, and as the popular uprising against the government reforms grew stronger, we recognized there was yet another reason to travel these many miles across the ocean: Israelis were fighting for the soul of their nation, and we felt drawn to offer our support, in whatever shape or form we could. 
On Saturday evening, Motzei Shabbat, we met up with another family and headed towards downtown Tel Aviv. As we walked, we began to sense a buzz around us, an energy. It didn’t take long before we saw one person and then two and then several folks carrying, donning, or waving Israeli flags. Here was a young man wrapped in a flag. Here was a wee child excitedly shaking his. Here was a septuagenarian lifting his flag proudly toward the sky and here was a teenage girl raising hers with a kind of defiant joy. And interspersed among the Israeli flags were beautiful rainbow Pride flags, claiming their space in the crowd as well.
When we reached HaBima Square, near the center of Tel Aviv, we saw a group of rallygoers forming. In addition to flags and signs, makeshift torches, in the shape of Havdalah candles, were being handed out. The torches served the purpose of lighting the way in the darkness, but they also gave life to the many signs which spoke of Israel being “on fire.” (We took a couple of torches, but quickly realized they were much more hazardous than they were practical. Extinguishing ours in a nearby patch of dirt, we noticed many others had done the same!). Our fears of widespread fire aside, these torches captured the acute fears of the moment, fears that the judicial changes will permanently alter the fabric of Israeli society, yielding a country in which individual freedoms- for Palestinians, for women, for members of the LGBTQ+ community, for non-Orthodox Jews, and many more, will not only be threatened but eliminated. The risk inherent in carrying the torches reminds us that the stakes-to protect Israel’s citizens and democracy- could not possibly be higher.
We walked with the demonstrators for several blocks, weaving through parts of downtown Tel Aviv that were completely new to me. Every intersection brought more people into the rally; every street, another tributary of rally-goers. We marched in the middle of the street, halting most traffic in one of the busiest sections of Tel Aviv. It was an awe-inspiring sight to behold. This was democracy in action! This was a people who were truly standing up to be counted.
The streets were noisy and boisterous, full of cries for “Democratia!” and horns and whistles and drums. Sounds were coming from all sides and every direction. Some were singing. Some were chanting. Others were playing all manner of musical instruments. Even the youngest children were outfitted with noisemakers and kazoos; several times, we were surprised by toddlers peeking out from under their strollers to blow their horns!
Standing amidst this crowd was as energizing as it was humbling. It was a privilege to walk alongside Israelis who have been steadfastly rallying for democracy, rain or shine, for the last fourteen weeks. Bearing witness to their indomitable spirit, especially in the face of Friday’s terror attacks, was truly awe-inspiring. That we could participate in this historic moment was so meaningful to us and something we will always remember. And if we brought even a small measure of strength to this noble cause, all the better. Thinking back on the experience, I only hope to intermingle my prayers with those who were marching: may this collective uprising give way to real change, and an Israel that ensures freedom, justice, and peace for all.
Watch Rabbi Sapadin’s Recent Sermon on Israel
