Protester tries to climb fence at PM's residence
Photo: Gal Arbel
Disabled protest outside Prime Minister's Residence
Blocking and forcefully shaking the entry gate to the official residence, protesters call on Netanyahu to 'come out and explain why you're torturing us. Why haven't the benefits been raised in 16 years?'
Dozens of people with disabilities protested outside the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
The protesters, who demand to have their disability benefits increased to equal minimum wage, blocked and forcefully shook the residence's entry gate.
"Where are you? Come out and see us. Come talk to us," one protester called out at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu using a megaphone. "This is the second time we've come to you and gotten (the cold shoulder). We call on you to come and explain why you're torturing us. Why haven't the benefits been raised in 16 years?"
Disabled protesters block PM's Residence (Photo: Amir Alon)
After several minutes in which the protesters shook the entry gate, police officers were sent to stand between them and the gate.
On their way to the capital, the disabled protesters drove slowly, at about 5 km/h, on Highway 1, the main artery leading to Jerusalem, blocking it and causing heavy traffic congestion.
The activism groups that organized the protest in Jerusalem have broken off from the main leadership of the disabled people's struggle over opposition to an agreement signed with the government.
