Opposition divided over Arab-led rally against nation-state law

Palestinian Israleis wave Palestinian flag at rally against nation-state law

Tamar Pileggi writes in Times of Israel, “Opposition Knesset members on Sunday debated the left’s muted response to the the Arab-led rally against the nation-state law after it drew criticism for the presence of Palestinian flags at the event. Left-wing parties have staunchly opposed the contentious law passed by the Knesset last month, but most lawmakers chose not to attend Saturday’s protest rally to avoid being associated with displays of Palestinian nationalist symbols.”

“‘Yesterday was a true test of democracy and equality,’ Meretz MK Michal Rozin said in an interview with Channel 10 news. Rozin, who attended the protest with a number of Meretz supporters, accused Labor leader Avi Gabbay, opposition leader Tzipi Livni and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid of joining ‘Netanyahu’s system of hierarchical citizenship. It’s not a big deal to demand equal rights for people you totally agree with,” she said. ‘“What is a big deal is standing for equality and against the nation-state law that discriminates against the Arab minority.’  Zionist Union MK Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin defended the absence of most opposition lawmakers, saying the call for Palestinian national rights of the rally was inconsistent with their political beliefs. “…

Ayman Odeh, Head of joint List, at rally against the nation-state law

“At Saturday’s rally, dozens of activists waved Palestinian flags in defiance of a request by organizers at the Arab Higher Monitoring Committee, who wanted to encourage the Jewish population to attend the march in solidarity.” (more…)