Thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Wednesday to protest what they say is systemic discrimination and brutality by Israeli law-enforcement authorities toward Israelis of Ethiopian descent.
Dozens were arrested as a result of the clashes with police. Some demonstrators threw rocks at police and many blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, leading to major traffic disruptions.
The demonstration comes in the wake of a controversial incident in Bat Yam earlier this month, when a police officer fatally shot Yehuda Biadga, an Israeli of Ethiopian descent.
The officer said he felt threatened by Biadga and claimed that he had no choice but shoot at him because he was running toward him with a knife, but Biadga's family disputes that account. They further accused the authorities of failing to properly address the post-traumatic stress he suffered from due to his military service.
Biadga's father Atalay spoke at the main protest venue at Rabin Square, telling the gatherers: "They took my child, but despite this unbearable pain, today I saw how many people love him. You have come from all across the country, and I want to see the officer who killed my son locked behind bars. I want justice to be served."
Most protesters heeded the call of the organizers to refrain from violence, and this was echoed by activists on social media who urged the demonstrators to act "responsibly and honorably." The protesters were united in demanding that the officer who shot Biadga be indicted.
