Anti-overhaul marchers to Jerusalem reach Kibbutz Nahshon, stage ‘festival of democracy’

Anti-overhaul protesters staging a days-long march to Jerusalem reach Kibbutz Nahshon, near the capital, after two and a half hours of marching from Lehi Forest.

The group, which reached 10,000 people at its peak, is met with cheers from organizers who set up tables of food before the marchers’ arrival to the vast field in the kibbutz center, where they are staging a “festival of democracy.”

Small tents for those staying at the kibbutz overnight are lined up one by one on the grass.

Although the march began in Tel Aviv and will end in Jerusalem this Saturday night, those protesting come from across the country, many of them bringing their children along.

The march received very little opposition during today’s procession, with the exception of a few disgruntled drivers who passed by the demonstration on the other side of Highway 3.

An encampment at Kibbutz Nahshon at the end of day 3 of an anti-overhaul march to Jerusalem, leading into a ‘Festival of Democracy’ celebration featuring food and music, July 20, 2023. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)