Women in Israel to launch nationwide strike after death of two girls: 'This is our time'

Dozens of regional authorities and private companies have announced they will let their female staff to join protest

The strike has been approved by all the major Jewish cities, as well as many minor ones and at least nine Arab local authorities (Getty)

Campaigners in Israel are launching a nationwide strike against violence towards women.

Dozens of municipalities, regional authorities, unions, and private companies have announced that they will let their female staff join Tuesday’s protest. The women are calling on the government to do more to tackle the problem.

The strike follows last week’s murders of two girls – Silvana Tsegai, 12, in south Tel Aviv and Yara Ayoub, 16, in Jish. These were the 23rd and 24th murders of women and girls in Israel this year, marking a sharp rise compared to last year.

The strike has been approved by all the major Jewish cities, as well as many minor ones and at least nine Arab local authorities.

A Facebook campaign called “I am a woman, I am striking” is at the forefront of the effort and has gathered substantial support from public and private sectors. A “Red Flag” coalition which includes more than 50 feminist groups is also involved.

In some areas, all employees irrespective of their gender will be given time off to either strike or meet for a few hours in a bid to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The strike, which condemns the government for failing to take action, will finish with a main protest event in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square on Tuesday evening.

“This is our time for taking to the streets and giving voice to the problem,” say organisers. “On Tuesday we’re all striking. We’re in the midst of a show of force by women, one which gives hope, and we won’t remain quiet until women’s lives are put at the top of the national agenda.”

Some 232 institutions have voiced support for the strike – including 42 local municipalities, 76 civil society organisations and 30 corporations.

The speaker of the Knesset parliament, Yuli Edelstein, said female employees who want to strike on Tuesday should be approved to do so.

He said: “I have instructed the Knesset committees to hold discussions on the topic of violence against women this week and to allow women to strike. The Knesset will do everything it can to raise awareness of this issue and fight against it.”

Avi Nissenkorn, chair of the Histadrut trade union, announced he was allowing employees who want to attend Tuesday’s protests to miss work without losing a day’s wages. He urged other employers to do the same.

Several protesters blocked traffic in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning, arguing the government was indifferent to abuse against women.

Another rally took place outside the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem during a cabinet meeting. Ten women held up banners reading: “Prime minister Netanyahu, wake up! The blood of women is not cheap, don’t allow us to die. Violence starts in the corridors of power.”

The demonstrators lay down in red paint they had poured on the road leading to the ministry before police removed them.

A group of women also held a demonstration outside the main Tel Aviv police station last week.

Protesters, wearing black, brandished signs with the names of the women murdered this year. In Jerusalem, female protesters lay frozen on the ground in a big puddle of red liquid.