"Workers of the world--unite!"
Happy May Day.
This being the Jewish State, Israel had to have the rallies on April 30 because May 1 falls on the Sabbath this year.
This is what I found, quite by accident, at Zion Square yesterday afternoon.
The billboard on the makeshift stage says "WE ARE PAINTING JERUSALEM RED."
From afar I had heard drum rolls, slogan chanting, and cheering and simply followed my ears.What a surprise!
The red banner of the Scouts quotes Deuteronomy 16:20:
"JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALT THOU PURSUE".
The crowd and the drums applauded the speeches. At least one speaker was an Arab Knesset member, probably from the Hadash party.
The signs and speakers and chants all called for equality among the sectors, a two-state solution, an end to privatization, a raise in the minimum wage, equality for women, etc. etc. All the old Socialist values.
Besides the Scouts I saw other youth movements, like Hashomer Hatzair.
I think the black and red flag belongs to the Anarchists. And Merez was there, of course.
.
You know, I remember when I moved to Israel in 1968 . . . at my Shomer Hatzair kibbutz (where I had 7 months of Hebrew ulpan) and then at the clinics of the Histadrut Kupat Holim, everyone would still address each other as "chaver" or "chavera" which was then the equivalent of the Soviet "tovarish," meaning Comrade.
.
May Day, Statue Day, Children's Day, so much going on. Hadn't thought about the dearth of statues in Jerusalem. It makes sense. Great post today-- as always.
ReplyDeleteWe had a Jewish friend die this past week. We're busy trying to understand all of the customs, history, and tradition centered around a Jewish burial. If you have ever posted on this, please stop by and provide us with a link.
Jan
GDP
This is certainly different from May Day in Hawaii. May Day is also called "Lei Day." The school children all dress up and do dances from different countries. There's a maypole and it's pretty festive... at least that's what it was like when I was growing up in Hawaii. I don't know if it's still like that.
ReplyDeleteBeen in Ein Hamifratz near Akko in the early 80es, ulpan, and we were tought chaver, chavera, chaverim as well. Times change. But I am very glad that at least part of the founder's spirit is still there.
ReplyDeletePour le 1er Mai, «Louis» vous donne un bouquet de Muguet!
ReplyDeleteWhen I went on machon in 1966, all the Australians were gently socialist. But I didn't realise what Really Red meant until I met the Hashomer students from South America. Che Guevara was the absolute hero of the moment. He wasn't murdered until the next year.
ReplyDeleteI think it's better if I come back tomorrow, I already live in the reddest city of Italy...
ReplyDeleteA salute from Rome!
Being left is relative like most things. Americans would consider me left of center, but I bet that in Israel I would be consider a capitalist and far to their right, which is most likely true. The concept of Justice is probably relative too, especially if we are talking about economic justice. Everyone has their own perspective, and their perspective can change with their age and circumstance.
ReplyDeleteAlways so many interesting posts when I catch up with you on the weekends, Dina. This May Day post has so much going on! It's interesting how the word "socialist" has such different connotations the world over. In the states it's an unwelcome word, but not in other places.
ReplyDeleteDina, you are sharp photographer and unique storyteller. Great to see both talents in one blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for commenting and following Moscow blog. You are very welcomed. Tovarish:-)))
What wonderful images of celebration and life. Each one is filled with joy.
ReplyDeleteMay 5th in CA is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo, a tribute to Mexican heritage, culture and life.
Now I wish I could have a face-to-face conversation with you, because i really don't know how you interpret these events:)
ReplyDelete