The Knesset officer ordered Knesset member Simcha Rotman not to attend the Bar Association event in Tel Aviv, to avoid harming the security guards and in light of threats received by the police. Rothman accepted the police order and announced the cancellation of his arrival.
“Unfortunately, a small and violent group has taken over the Israeli left and sets its agenda,” said Rothman. “People who believe in democracy do not block a person’s way to discussion and presenting a position in a polite way. People who believe in democracy, believe in dialogue and not violence.”
“Unfortunately, due to the warnings received, and updated situation assessments, the Knesset officer ordered me not to come to the event at the Bar Association today, when I was already on my way to the place. There are those who raise the word “democracy” in their throats, but they want the discussion to be conducted on a one-sided basis, and they are blatantly and bullyingly silent the majority in Israel.”
“We will continue and promote the values and positions on behalf of which we were elected, and we will not surrender to a violent and extremist group,” Rothman concluded.