Israeli government rocked by bereaved parents' protests

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was aware that his speech to mark Israel’s Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism would be interrupted by the families of the fallen who oppose his government. He prepared for the moment when millions of Israelis would be immersed in the sanctity of the event and decided to respond with silence. He would allow their protest to take place. For several minutes, he was subjected to a barrage of insults: “Liar!” “You’re a disgrace!” and “Shut your mouth!” He stood there stoically, enduring the onslaught without saying a word.

Bennett certainly saw the sign waved by Meirav Hajaj, mother of Shir Hajaj, who was killed in 2017 in a vehicular assault in Jerusalem’s Armon HaNetziv neighborhood. It read: “Bennett! Anyone who forms a government with supporters of terrorism isn’t wanted here!”

Hajaj and her husband, Herzl, both voted for Yamina in the last election. They even participated in the party’s election campaign and helped it –—and Bennett personally — get elected. Since the coalition was formed, however, they have joined the ranks of Bennett’s opponents, waging public and media campaigns against him and confronting him whenever possible. They claimed that days before that election, he personally gave them his word that he would not lend his hand to the formation of a new government with left-wing parties or Ra’am.

As abovementioned, Bennett was prepared for this attack, which was broadcast live throughout the country. “The families of the fallen are sacred,” he said. “You are allowed to scream. You are allowed to hurt. I love you very much, and I hear your pain.”