"We've been demanding social justice for three months. We must change the destructive policies that are crushing us. What did the Trajtenberg committee give us? Cooking gas? Afternoon day care in 2017?" asked social protest leader Dafni Leef at a press conference in response to the Trajtenberg committee recommendations.
Leef gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an ultimatum to submit a new social budget after the Jewish New Year holiday or else demonstrators will again pour onto the streets.
"I don’t want to mock the Trajtenberg committee, but it's mocking us. We're not prepared to be taken for granted. The committee's recommendations do not address single mothers, the elderly, or the homeless. We asked for root-canal work and we got a hygienist."
Leef said that she was afraid that the recommendations will be buried in the economic budget arrangements law. She is angry that the committee did not advise abrogating the newly-enacted National Housing Committee Law, despite this demand by the social protesters. She lambasted the government, saying, "Do you really think that we will again surrender to this pitiful spin of defense budget cuts and the loss of Iron Dome? Do you really think that you'll succeed in tricking us as you've tricked us until now? No, it won't happen."
Leef concluded, "I'm excited. It's possible to clearly see that our vision can exist. It is inspiring and gives us the energy to go on. We will celebrate Rosh Hashana tomorrow, and I wish Israel's citizens a happy New Year. Who will make next year a more just and equitable year? I call on everyone, the lecturers, the workers, the Histadrut, the doctors, and more - organize and join in the fight!?
Leef challenged Netanyahu, "We will give you one month, after the holidays, to present a new alternative. Give us a new social budget and social justice or on October 29, we will go on to the streets in full force! We won't give up and we won't be silent! The nation demands social justice!"
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 27, 2011
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011