PHOTOS: Anti-Trump Rally in Tel Aviv
On May 22, 2017, Pantsuit Nation Israel in partnership with the Israeli grassroots environmental organization Green Course and Democrats Abroad-Israel held not one but two rallies protesting Trump’s visit to Israel. The Tel Aviv rally was held in front of the American Embassy, and the Jerusalem rally was held in front of the American Consulate.
At the Tel Aviv rally, members of Pantsuit Nation Israel and Democrats abroad spoke passionately about their own personal resistance since Trump took office, and about the recent flourishing of American democracy in opposition to Trump. The rallies drew an estimated 400 people, mostly Israeli-American expats. Protestors chanted “Show Me What Democracy Looks Like, This Is What Democracy Looks Like!” and many more.
For those in attendance, it was an opportunity to express their anger and opposition to Trump and his policies, and to show that Donald Trump is not welcomed by all in Israel.
I became hobbled by my frustration, sadness, anger, and hurt. I couldn’t function, trigged every day by some news story or Facebook comment. But that all coalesced into a fierce drive to speak up, take action, and march. And I am not alone.
The Women’s March on the day after the inauguration, including our rally right here with many of you in Tel Aviv, was probably the largest global protest ever. — Rachel Canar, organizer
Trump, his government and followers have promoted and bred white supremacy and hatred of the other, Mexicans and Muslim immigrants and, yes, Jews. But these vile actions and policies have brought good people together and inspired them to take action like never before.
Muslims fundraising for Synagogues, Jews fundraising for Mosques and entire towns of everyday Americans lining up to clean up desecrated Jewish cemeteries, and thousands running to the airports to protest the unconstitutional Muslim travel ban. — Rachel Canar, organizer
Women are all saying enough is enough. We are now experience an amazing powerful second-wave feminism that is multi-generational, intersectional and global! — Rachel Canar, organizer
I used to be all Israel Israel Israel – in fact I even moved here. But watching him try to dismantle American democracy into some kind of dystopian sci-fi movie has turned me into a roaring American patriot.
We may not all agree on everything. Even at this rally, there are many with widely disparate views about other things. But we all agree on one thing — Trump is not good for America or other living things.
Trump has brought us all together, stronger, fiercer driven activists. The day he won, I joined the resistance and I won’t quit. You won’t quit. We won’t quit.