Jerusalem Man Protests in Drawn Circle, Citing Talmudic Figure

Nir Yanovsky, a 44-year-old Jerusalem resident working in high-tech, has launched a unique political protest inspired by the Talmudic sage Choni HaMe'agel, known as "Choni the Circle-Drawer." Yanovsky drew a circle on the sidewalk in front of the Israeli President's Residence, stood within it holding a staff, and vowed not to leave until the government changes. Choni HaMe'agel, a Second Temple-era scholar, is known for a story in the Talmudic tractate Ta'anit where he drew a circle during a drought and prayed for rain, vowing not to move until it arrived. To enhance the authenticity of his protest, Yanovsky legally added "Choni" as a middle name to his ID. He spent the night in the circle with a sleeping mat and pillow, continuing his vigil the following day. Yanovsky stated his motivation stems from a fear of a repeat of the October 7th tragedy and called for the establishment of a state investigative commission. This is not his first protest; he previously lived in a tent encampment in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" and participated in other demonstrations.