search

Anti-overhaul protesters converge outside hotel where ministers attend conference

Luke Tress is an editor and a reporter in New York for The Times of Israel.

Anti-overhaul protesters gather outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York City where ministers are taking part in an Arutz Sheva conference on June 4, 2023. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)
Anti-overhaul protesters gather outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York City where ministers are taking part in an Arutz Sheva conference on June 4, 2023. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)

NEW YORK — After New York’s Celebrate Israel Parade wraps up, the coalition lawmakers who attended head to a conference at a hotel in Manhattan.

Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators gather outside. The protesters shout “Shame” and “Democracy” and brandish Israeli flags. Many wear shirts from the ex-pat activist group UnXeptable.

Speakers describe their fears of the coalition’s judicial overhaul for Israel’s future. The demonstrators mock MK Simcha Rothman, one of the overhaul’s key players, after he seized a megaphone from a protester in New York on Friday.

In a Hebrew rhyme, the crowd sings, “Poor, poor Rothman, even in New York he’s freaking out. Rothman, Rothman calm down, the megaphone is not so bad.”

A group of protesters dress as characters from The Handmaid’s Tale, a common motif from the rallies in Israel. Others carry signs calling for “freedom, democracy, equality.”

Never miss breaking news on Israel
Get notifications to stay updated
You're subscribed
image
Register for free
and continue reading
Registering also lets you comment on articles and helps us improve your experience. It takes just a few seconds.
Already registered? Enter your email to sign in.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions. Once registered, you’ll receive our Daily Edition email for free.
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.