Here’s why we march against Netanyahu’s power grab: it’s a fight for Israel’s life as a democratic state | David Grossman

We must oppose plans to restrain the judiciary, portions of which were backed by the Knesset today. Everything is at stake

There were many exhilarating moments during the days and nights of the march to Jerusalem. One of them occurred on Saturday morning, when a massive human wave, quivering with thousands of blue and white flags, slowly streamed down the hillside near Shoresh and intersected with the crowds waiting at Hemed Bridge. The two camps melded together; water bottles were given to the hot and weary walkers, along with slices of watermelon, ice pops and grapes. There was generosity, goodwill and heartfelt sharing. There was the rare understanding that each of us was composed of the many people who came to this place, who continued together up the Qastel hills to Jerusalem, sweltering in the extreme heat but with their souls uplifted.

The Jewish nation has experienced rifts and divisions: Sadducees and Pharisees, Hasidism and Misnagdim, and many other opposing factions. But what has been occurring in Israel these past few months is no longer on the same continuum. We do not yet have the words to adequately describe this turn of events, and that is why it is so frightening. It may transpire that it was the beginning of a process that will crumble - and possibly resolve - our society's ossified, dangerous points. But for now it is bringing to the surface Israel's secrets and lies, the cumulative historical offences, the lack of compassion, the injustices, all of which have become an intolerable dissonance that breeds mutual revulsion.

David Grossman is an Israeli author. This piece was translated by Jessica Cohen from an article originally published in the Hebrew edition of Haaretz

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