‘Democracies fall slowly and quietly’: Thousands protest near President’s Residence in Jerusalem

Thousands of people are gathered on Hanassi Street in Jerusalem, near the President’s Residence during a protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

The protesters are chanting “The people are determined: this is not Iran,” “We’re setting a red line for [Justice Minister Yariv] Levin,” “We won’t be silent as long as there is inequality,” and simply “Democracy.”

Demonstrators also wave Israeli flags as they sing the Israeli anthem.

“A majority does not legitimize tyranny,” and “Red line: right and left against the destruction,” some banners read.

A student band performed followed by speakers, including several students, as well as Shaul Meridor, son of Dan Meridor, who served in several ministerial positions in past governments.

“Democracies fall slowly and quietly,” says Meridor. “We have to fight and battle. This isn’t about Arab or Jew, religious or secular, this is our house that we have to protect.”

Judge Nava Ben-Or, former head of the Jerusalem district court, lists the judicial reforms suggested by the government, enumerating the ways in which they ignored the basic tenets of democracy.

The crowd includes families with young children, many of whom are wearing kippot.

A handful of pro-Netanyahu protesters with banners reading “leftist traitors” hold a counter-demonstration, but are kept away from the main protest by police.