Mass Prayer Rally and Human Chain Planned in Response to Voting Law Abolishment
In response to the passing of a law abolishing the grounds of reasonableness for voting in the Knesset, a mass prayer rally and human chain is expected to convene tomorrow morning at the Western Wall, followed by a march to the Knesset building. The rally aims to promote a broad consensus and avoid a deep rupture within the nation.
Organizers of the event express their concerns about the country being in a deep crisis and potentially reaching an irreparable rupture. They emphasize that regardless of who is right, the people will bear an unbearably heavy price. The event is described as a civil, popular, and non-partisan initiative aimed at upholding the connection between Judaism and democracy, in line with the spirit of the Declaration of Independence.
The rally, set to take place four days before T’Bav, is expected to demonstrate the unbreakable unity between Jewish individuals and convey the importance of their shared destiny. Participants are encouraged to attend without signs but with Israeli flags.
A long list of officials has signed the initiative, including veterans of the security establishment, rabbinic figures, and academic leaders. This diverse group of signatures is indicative of the wide support the rally has garnered.
The human chain symbolizes the unity the organizers wish to build among the nation and represents the vital bridge between Judaism and democracy. Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin highlights the importance of gathering with those who oppose and share his views, calling for broad agreement. The initiative aims to reaffirm the common ground and shared values that supersede individual disagreements.
Rabbi Yaakov Madan, in his invitation to the event, emphasizes the need for a collective voice, stating that although disagreements will persist, shared values such as the continued existence of the Jewish people and the Israeli Defense Forces should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Amid the escalating tensions, former Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon stresses the importance of preventing a rift in the nation. He calls for civil dialogue and an agreement on a democratic Jewish state of Israel as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence. Ayalon is attending the rally dressed in a white shirt, blue jeans, and holding the Israeli flag.
Yael Shabach, the widow of Rabbi Raziel Shabach who was tragically murdered in a shooting attack near Gilad Farm, issued an invitation urging people to reflect on the direction the nation is heading. Shabach emphasizes the need for trust and finding common ground in order to prevent further deterioration within society.
Social activist and former Knesset member Tahla Friedman appeals to those who believe the nation is in the midst of a disaster to attend the rally. She acknowledges that politicians require courage to engage in the process of agreements, given the lack of trust in the political system. She emphasizes that the consequences of a deep rift would extend beyond politics, impacting the army, economy, security, and interpersonal relations within Israeli society.
As tensions escalate over the voting law abolishment, this mass prayer rally and human chain serve as a powerful demonstration of the unity and shared values that can transcend individual differences. Participants hope that their collective voice will encourage a broad consensus and prevent further division within the nation.