Knesset, Histadrut to join women’s strike
Calls to combat domestic violence against women have gained momentum as local authorities, the Knesset, the Histadrut labor federation and private businesses announced support for a nationwide women’s strike scheduled for Tuesday.
Increased pressure for government action follows the murders last week of 13-yearold Sylvana Tsegai and 16-year-old Yara Ayoub, which brought the total number of deaths from domestic violence this year to 24.
A Facebook campaign titled “I am a woman, I am striking,” is leading the effort and has garnered considerable support from both public and private sectors.
The Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheba and Jerusalem municipalities are among a long list of local authorities backing Tuesday’s protest, and have promised full wages to female employees who join the strike action.
“Israeli society must stand as one, both men and women and members of all faiths to say enough to violence,” said incoming Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
“The intolerable ease of violence against women must stop. The time has come for all Israeli society to stand up as one to fight this shocking phenomenon.”
In a rare move, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein announced late Sunday that Israel’s parliament would be joining the protest.
“Violence and the murder of women is an unacceptable phenomenon and should be condemned by society as quickly as possible,” Edelstein said.
“I have instructed the Knesset’s committees to hold discussions on the issue this week and we will also enable female employees to take part in the strike on Tuesday. The Knesset will do all in its power to increase awareness of the issue and to combat the phenomenon.”
Campaign organizers have demanded the transfer of NIS 250 million to fund an emergency program to combat violence against women.
The program, approved by ministers but yet to receive the necessary funding, includes a public rehabilitation program for victims of domestic violence; a rehabilitation program for attackers; education and public awareness efforts; and a comprehensive policy change in the Israel Police’s approach to domestic violence.
“The cries of women are buried under the silence of the government, which refuses to take responsibility and change the situation,” read a call to protest by strike organizers.
“Time after time they bury programs, ignore the victims and leave half of the population unsafe. We are in a state of emergency, this is the time, if we do not wake up now, we will never wake up.”
Histadrut head Avi Nissenkorn announced that all members of the labor federation could join Tuesday’s strike Tuesday without it affecting their vacation days.
“The struggle against violence against women is not only a women’s struggle, it is a struggle for all of Israeli society,” said Nissenkorn. “I therefore call on all employers to respect the wishes of their employees and to enable them to participate in the demonstration of solidarity planned for Tuesday.”
Private sector companies backing the strike include technology companies Argus Cyber Security and Albert, supermarket chains Rami Levi and Tiv Ta’am, and Dizengoff Center.
Israir Airlines announced that it would not permit female employees to miss work in order to strike but said it would back the campaign in a number of ways, including making announcements regarding the protest on all flights.
Announcing that it would permit female employees of the President’s Office to strike without it affecting their pay, director-general Harel Tobi said the office “sees itself as a partner in real steps to protect the dignity and status of women.”
The Teachers Union also announced its support for the strike, although most schools will be closed due to this week’s Hanukkah vacation. Schools in Arab towns will start classes later than usual on Tuesday, at 10 a.m.