Democrats Activists Attacked in Jerusalem Market, Party Vows to Continue

Activists from the Israeli Democrats party were physically assaulted on Thursday evening in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market. This incident follows similar attacks on party members in other locations across Israel, including Tel Aviv's Hatikva market and Givat Shmuel. Party leaders strongly condemned the violence and blamed the police and national leadership for fostering a hostile public atmosphere.

Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv reported that dozens of individuals attacked the Democrats' activists. He criticized the police for alleged delays in responding, hindering complaint filings, and failing to arrest the attackers. Kariv described the assailants as "the long arm of Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and their associates who are engaged in constant incitement," adding that the police's "failed response is no longer a failure but a policy."

Despite the attack, Kariv stated that the activists would not be deterred and planned to return to the market area on Friday. He urged public support for the party's activities ahead of the upcoming elections, asserting, "We will not be deterred, and more importantly, we will win the elections and fix the broken reality."

Democrats Chairman Yair Golan also addressed the assault, expressing solidarity with the activists. He praised them as "young men and women who love the country and are not afraid to fight for its future." Golan affirmed that the party would persist in its activities nationwide, stating, "We, the Democrats, do not back down from bullying, nor are we intimidated by violence. We will continue to reach every place in Israel with determination and without hesitation."

Golan concluded by linking the struggle against violence and incitement to the upcoming elections on October 27th, emphasizing the need for "standing firm against incitement, upholding the law, and casting true votes at the ballot box."