Yohay Elam

There many ways to demonstrate. A mass jam session is surely a unique way. I attended such a demonstration on today’s sunny afternoon in Tel Aviv.

Officially we were making noise, as opposed to being silent. This kind of fun protest is a good way to bring important issues to people’s attention. Despite very low publicity, about 100 showed up. More pictures.

Update: Here’s a video of the event by Carmel.

What’s the story?

Hundreds of women are held against their will in central cities in Israel, and “employed” as prostitutes. The authorities know where they are, and don’t act to release them. The media usually ignores these cases.

Continue reading “Jamming against Forced Prostitution”

In the USA, president G.W. Bush can lie to the public for a very long time. Almost 4 years after the stupid war in Iraq, no WMDs were found. Also connections of Saddam’s regime to Al-Queda weren’t not. It’s amazing that even after the Democrats gained control of both houses, the impeachment of the president is still not on the agenda.

But if the president would be charged of rape, would he still stay in office?

Well, here in the middle east’s wonderful democracy, president Moshe Katzav is to be indicted with charges of rape, alongside other severe charges, that come from many women. He still awaits a hearing with Attorney General Meni Mazuz in the next 3 months.

He refuses to resign until charges are officially pressed, talking about a blackmail conspiracy, blaming the media the media for lynching him, etc. The intense inquiry took half a year and tens of witnesses. I’m sure that the decision was carefully considered.

The president’s role in Israeli democracy is mostly symbolic, and doesn’t affect the country’s decision making. Still, this symbol, this man that represents Israel around the world, is now a great embarrassment.

With the chief of staff Halutz escaping an enquiry committee by resigning, prime minister Ehud Olmert investigated over several corruption allegations, and now the president officially accused of rape, our country has seen better days.