Police bar Zichron Independence Day march with Israeli flags and other ‘signs of protest’

Residents of the town of Zichron Ya’acov appeal to the Supreme Court after police bar them from holding an Independence Day march with Israeli flags, and other “signs of protest.”

The residents say that during a recent meeting with police, they were told that Israeli flags and copies of the Declaration of Independence “have been categorized as signs of protest.”

The appeal to the High Court claims this is the first time Israelis have been banned from waving their national flag in Israel.

“We as a municipality would be happy for every citizen and every resident to carry the Israeli flag and the Declaration of Independence everywhere,” says Zichron Ya’acov Mayor Ziv Deshe.

“The authority to decide on the approval of processions and business licensing is in the hands of the police and therefore we will adhere to the instructions of the police in regards to maintaining public order,” he says.

Israeli flags and copies of the Declaration of Independence have been a mainstay of anti-government protests against the judicial overhaul.