Police estimate 2,000 leftists took part in the motzei shabbos anti-settler rally held in downtown Jerusalem’s Zion Square, proudly carrying their banner exclaiming “Zionists Do Not Settle”.

The Meretz Party and Peace Now sponsored the event along with a number of other student organizations and left-wing NGOs.

The speakers spoke of the need to persuade the audience that the agenda must concentrate on human rights and the absolute need for Israel to leave Yehuda and Shomron, which they view as “occupied Arab territories”. They warned that Herzl’s Zionist dream did not continue ruling over anther nation, warning it is absolutely essential to leave “the territories” to maintain the Zionist character of the nation.

Noted left-wing entertainer singer Achinoam Nini performed, but not before mentioning that today, 15 years after the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin, “we opt to take our fate into our own hands”, calling on supporters to begin lobbying towards an Israeli withdrawal from all areas that are viewed as occupied.

A small number of right-wingers were on hand to hold a counter-protest.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)