Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Sunday, March 12, 2023

Hundreds in New York protest Israeli government’s judicial shakeup plan

By Luke Tress 12 March 2023, 7:39 pm 2 Edit

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

Protesters demonstrate against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan in New York City's Washington Square Park on March 12, 2023. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)

NEW YORK — Several hundred Israelis and US Jews protest against the Netanyahu government in New York City.

The rally in Washington Square Park appears to be the biggest in New York since the government announced its judicial overhaul plans more than two months ago.

Protesters carry Israeli flags and hold signs reading “No democracy no future,” “Hands off Israel’s democracy,” and “Crime minister.”

Speakers urge the crowd to take action against the government by attending demonstrations, contacting legislators and taking other action. The crowd boos and chants “shame” in Hebrew at the mention of Netanyahu and Smotrich.

The speakers express solidarity with the mass protests taking place in Israel.

“This is not about right and left; it’s about democracy against autocracy,” says Jeremy Levin, the former CEO of Teva. “We are watching a democracy fighting for its life.”

A delegation of IDF officials will address members of the New York Jewish community about the overhaul later today. The group, largely made up of Israeli expats, has been holding rallies most weekends.