(live here) – Hundreds of protesters, Jews and Arabs, took to the streets of Haifa on Friday, 30/5/25, and participated in a stormy demonstration held in the German Colony. The protesters, who began their journey with a long march from the community center in the Shizaf neighborhood near Stella Maris, raised strong calls for an end to the fighting in Gaza, the return of the hostages, and the overthrow of the Netanyahu government.
One particularly extreme statement was made by MK Ayman Odeh: "Gaza won and Gaza will win." This statement sparked heated reactions online.
Wide public outcry
The demonstration, organized by dozens of peace organizations and movements, sparked a broad public outcry, mainly due to the content of the messages and the symbolic location in the heart of Haifa, a mixed city where significant tensions have recently been evident between Jewish and Arab communities.
Protesters: “They are trying to silence us, and we are marching anyway”
The protesters began the march at 17:00 PM after organizing at the entrance to the Shizaff Community Center. Hundreds of protesters walked for an hour until they reached Allenby Street in the German Colony where the gathering was held. “The watermelon has become a symbol of Palestinian civil resistance when the government prohibits the raising of the Palestinian flag,” explained one protester, “so we raise a watermelon – with the same colors, the same meaning. They can take away our flag, but not our voice.”
“Gaza is Burning – and You Are Silent?” – Signs with poignant messages throughout the march
Strong political messages
During the march, participants carried signs in dozens of styles. Some carried strong political messages: “Ron Dermer – this blood is on your hands,” “Take to the streets – get out of Gaza,” “Enough of the silence – enough of the murder,” and more. Alongside some of the signs, pictures of Palestinian children who were killed in recent months in Gaza were also displayed.
“This is a government that would rather stay at war than save lives”
After the march, which lasted about an hour and was conducted in a peaceful and organized manner, the demonstrators gathered on Allenby Street for a rally. The chairman of the Hadash movement, former MK Essam Makhoul, said, "We stand here, facing a government that is trying to sell to the people that military pressure needs to be applied in Gaza to return the kidnapped, when the truth is that only with an agreement will the kidnapped return, as has been the case until now, and for an agreement to happen, the war needs to end as quickly as possible."
Makhul added: “They know that a ceasefire will also bring with it a public demand for elections, for the truth to be established, for investigations. That is why they continue – even at the cost of blood. This is a defining moment. The public no longer buys the story of ‘a military operation will solve everything.’ We are standing here to say: Not in our name. This government knows that after the war ends it will fall, and that is why it continues the military effort, but it will end and then those who need to will go to the Hague Tribunal and a state investigation committee will be established to investigate everything that happened.”
MK Ayman Odeh: Gaza won and Gaza will win
MK Ayman Odeh said that "Gaza won and Gaza will win." His words sparked great anger. He said that he appreciated the demonstrations in Kaplan, but focusing on the regime revolution and not the occupation is a mistake. He also said that the government is currently making the war look normal, but the activities of the organizations that cooperated today will normalize the opposition to the war.
“Jews and Arabs are paving the way for peace together! Not for violence – not for occupation!”, he explained. He then sharply attacked the current coalition: “This is a government of fear. A government that needs fear to survive. When we demand a ceasefire, it is not out of weakness – it is out of courage. Because today, being humane in Israel is a courageous act. We are fighting for the soul of this society. This is the second demonstration in two weeks, and I assure you – not the last. This resistance will grow, because you cannot defeat the human desire for justice with tanks.”
Heavy police presence: dozens of police officers, cavalry and reinforced security
Alongside the protesters, a very large number of police officers were also deployed, standing densely on the edges of the streets and at the entrances to the compound. There were also cavalry, Border Guard soldiers, and members of the YSM – all on full alert. Despite the tensions, the entire event passed relatively peacefully. There were no physical clashes, arrests, or unusual incidents.
Right-wing protesters reacted angrily: “It is impossible for them to demonstrate against our soldiers.”
A party of leftists and Arabs
On the other side of the street, a group of several dozen right-wing activists gathered. They carried Israeli flags. “This is shameful,” said one of the protesters. “While our soldiers are fighting down there, they are having a party here for leftists and Arabs who want to give awards to Hamas. Haifa has become the capital of traitors.”
Tatiana John: “They are the fascists, not us”
City Council member for the Haifa Beitenu faction, Tatiana John, responded to reports in the protest organizers’ WhatsApp groups, where some activists called the right-wingers “fascists.” “This is cheap manipulation,” she said. “Why are they even coming to protest in Haifa? This is not their home. They come here in buses, carrying signs against our soldiers. I see this as crossing a red line. This protest was unnecessary and harmful. It does not bring peace – it fuels fire.”
Previous protests, rising tensions
The current demonstration joins a chain of events that Haifa has experienced in recent times. The waving of Palestinian and Hamas flags in several locations, verbal clashes at bus stops, and suspicions of mutual threats between young Arabs and Jews – all of these have brought the Haifa public to a state of extreme sensitivity.
Interim Summary: The Climax of Public Controversy in Haifa – and Possibly Just the Beginning
Today's demonstration may be just the beginning of a series of further clashes in the city. More demonstrations are expected in the coming weeks – from both the left and the right. Haifa, as a mixed and multifaceted city, has become a symbolic arena where values, emotions, and narratives clash.
The march, the signs, the speeches, and the debates that took place in the urban public space – all together create a sharp snapshot of Israeli society in the midst of a turbulent historical period.
Yahav: Anyone who speaks about the State of Israel and the IDF in terms of war crimes and genocide is not welcome in our city.
Mayor Yona Yahav responded to the words said at today's demonstration:
"Anyone who shouts at a demonstration in Haifa that Gaza has won and will win, or speaks about the State of Israel and the IDF in terms of war crimes and genocide, is not welcome in our city. It would be better for them to go demonstrate elsewhere, and first ask themselves why the terrorist organization Hamas is withholding aid from the residents of Gaza. The demonstrators are not seeking peace and reconciliation, but incitement and inflaming passions, but that will not help them: even such an extreme and nationalist minority will not break the coexistence in Haifa. It is not for nothing that a large audience did not come to be a part of this."
CEO Shai Glick in his photo: Ayman Odeh's statement is a clear support for terrorism
The CEO of the organization in Tel Aviv, Shai Glick, also said in response to the demonstration that we warned the Israel Police in advance that this was not about freedom of expression but about incitement to terrorism, and we were right. "It is imperative to stop approving the terrorist demonstrations in Haifa. We thank Mayor Yona Yahav for his firm words against the terrorist demonstrations in the city and call on him to dismiss every council member who supports terrorism. Ayman Odeh's statement that "Gaza won and Gaza will win," "Netanyahu is normalizing the war, we will normalize the resistance" is a clear support for terrorism, crossing a red line, and spitting in the face of every citizen in Israel, especially the families of the murdered, the kidnapped, and the fighters. In addition, it is also support for terrorism and Hamas."
Right-wing protest against holding the demonstration: “A provocative event in an explosive location”
Even before the demonstration, angry voices were heard from organizations affiliated with the political right in Israel. The most prominent of these was the “Tselmo” organization, headed by Shai Glick. Glick sent a letter to Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav and the city’s police chief, Lt. Col. Eyal Shahar, with an unequivocal demand to cancel the event, which he called “an unnecessary provocation that could set the city on fire.”
According to Glick, "Holding a demonstration against the war in a place like the German Colony – a sensitive tourist and political area – is an irresponsible act that could erupt into violence, especially in light of recent security incidents in the city."
Arrest everyone at this demonstration and place them in administrative detention.
These people are a danger to the state, spreading disinformation against IDF soldiers, spies, and carrying out operations against the government, the regime, and the army in Israel and around the world.
Ban everyone immediately!
We, the people of Israel, demand the deportation of Arabs who spread a false agenda called "Palestinian people." This deception must end.
To expel the toys of the murderers of Jews from Syria, products for their homes.
Fed up
Freedom of expression is allowed in all democratic countries, but Bisharla is forbidden because it is Bibi's kingdom.
Why is Haifa allowed to hold a demonstration in front of Gaza or in Gaza?
"Anyone who shouts at a demonstration in Haifa that Gaza has won or speaks about the State of Israel and the IDF in terms of war crimes and genocide is not welcome in our city." - The whole world already knows that the IDF is committing war crimes and genocide. The soldiers are filming themselves while they are burning, murdering and abusing Palestinians!!! What greater proof than this do you need. Mainly because of them we are accused of war crimes. Arrest warrants against Bibi and Galant. War crimes also faded from your memory???? And soon the whole world will really boycott us. And the entire State of Israel. Not just Haifa. A delusional mayor who denies the war crimes that IDF soldiers are committing. You are a shame to the city and a shame to Judaism and humanity. Without a doubt to humanity.
Tired of all the reports, the whining, the grumbling, the pictures, the little bit of a hoax. It is clear that most of them are local Arabs. Ayman Odeh from Abu Kabir. From time to time, Leah Kabir calls to meet. Anyone who comes there will perceive everything as a lie and a lie because many of the Arabs to this day do not accept that here is the State of Israel, the Jewish state, not theirs at all. There was no Palestine here for everyone. The Hamas movement wanted it. Never. Ayman Odeh. The Likud and all the right-wingers need to throw him out. The channel is trying. The Knesset came out against the occupation and claimed Haifa is the capital of Palestine. That's what they said a week ago.
It's sad that Lsa calls for coexistence. Haifa Arabs deny the massacre. He should have gone to prison for such shocking statements. It's just a shame.
Shocking coverage and omission of Ayman Odeh's harsh sentence, which was tweeted across all media outlets: "Gaza won and Gaza will win"
The protesters were presented here as if they were peacemakers.
After all, everyone, including the government, is interested in an end to the war, but on Israel's terms: the return of the hostages, the demilitarization of the Strip, and the elimination of Hamas.
So why aren't they demonstrating in Gaza to accept Israel's position on ending the war?
Maybe because they are not interested in Israel winning by chance?
Such demonstrations should be declared illegal, this is incitement, not freedom of speech. Are there no demonstrations in Haifa?
Samal is treacherous and loud!!
Go to Gaza..
Please try to stay united Israel. This division of the Western world, plays into the hands of those who seek to destroy us world wide. As horrible as your situation has been, and continues to be; we need a long term solution, that contributes to world wide peace. From a concerned Australian.
About 100 terrorists in Haifa!!!
Shame on the city, this is shame!!!! Going to Gaza and literally immigrating to another country!!!!
Ayman Odeh is against the occupation and another Knesset member whose statements were opposed by the full court. Because he stood in the Knesset and came out to us accusing us that Israel has no place here because this is Palestine and Haifa is the capital of Palestine. And so Jaffa was occupied and he continues to be a Knesset member and the best example is how Yair Golan, if elected and with great enthusiasm, would be willing to sit with Rahman Odeh and Minister Abbas. Never since the establishment of the state has there been an Arab party in the government, right? The first time was during Bennett's term as prime minister. Shame and disgrace!
I was saddened to hear both the conclusion of Ms. Tatiana John's remarks and the statement of the Honorable Mayor, Mr. Yona Yahav.
We are in a critical period in the country and the future of the country hangs in the balance. In all of this, the unique and beloved Haifa has been, to this day, a wonderful model for vital and special coexistence between Jews and Arabs.
So Haifa is not a Jewish and Zionist city. Haifa is a mixed city, a city of all its residents. I will continue to fight for its special character and strive to become a model for all settlements in the country.
Declaring anyone who expresses a different opinion about the tragic situation the country finds itself in – part of which is to see what is happening in Gaza as a war crime – as undesirable as a resident of the city of Haifa is an extreme, dangerous and, in my opinion, unwise step.
The meaning of this announcement is to miss out on Haifa's wonderful and special qualities.
I live in this city because of the coexistence in it. Because of the close ties I have with my friends, neighbors, professionals, and Arab service providers in this city. And I call on you, Mr. Yahav, to think again and formulate a different call for all residents of the city.
A smart read. Unifying. With a refreshing spirit and a deep understanding of the special texture created here.
Don't let the city be destroyed. Think about how to leverage it and make it a leading city in Israel.
You forgot the cook so quickly.
The IDF is fighting for you and this decision is final.
Being a capo is not in fashion.
A biased article. What about the things the terrorist read that Gaza won and Gaza will win???
You were unable to hide your identification with the demonstration and the things that were said there.
Whoever speaks and declares the state of Palestine now, let him join his Palestinian people in Jordan. We will see him demonstrating as a Palestinian in Jordan. There, a large part of the Palestinians do not have citizenship and their citizenship is revoked just like that because the king decided. Shameless and disrespectful to the country that feeds you, and provides you with economic well-being, opportunities, and security at a bloody price that only the Druze and Bedouin Jews pay.
Shame on you, you are simply embarrassing Haifa.
These are Arabs who support terrorism and the extreme left, who destroy the state.
Their day will come too, the account is open and the hand is recording
Fly away from our city, you disguised Hamasniks who eat, drink, and enjoy Israel's delights and go out against it with the disgrace of traitors among us.
What coverage as if we were in Europe or in the Security Council.
Even the left-wing media outlets featured Odeh's outrageous words in the headline, "Gaza won and Gaza will win" (and an appeal was already submitted this evening to the Attorney General to revoke his immunity and allow the police to investigate him), and here this quote was not even mentioned, and yet with such nonchalance he began with "emotional words."
Michal, you have disappointed me greatly - this is neutral coverage as if we were living in Europe, which may be appropriate for your colleague from that MK's clan, but not coverage that is supposed to protect the mainstream from statements and a MK who even the mayor condemns.
Terrorists who hate Israel one by one are there. And they have a leader who must have the same fate as Azmi Bishara. He must be expelled from Israel!!!