By: Grace Cao

The massive group of protesters marched through scorching temperatures for five days until they finally reached Jerusalem late Saturday, July 22.

Millions of people have gathered together to protest the new judicial overhaul in Israel, part of which limits the power of the Supreme Court in order to protect the country from “corruption.”

This is all part of the judicial overhaul plan that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drafted to “safeguard” democracy. However, those who disagree with his plan call it a dictatorship.

In an interview conducted by the New York Times Magazine, 31-year-old Navot Silberstein states, “We’re marching because the government, a long story short, is trying to turn us into a dictatorship…We won’t live in a country where the government has too much power over us.” Many other Israelis feel the same way.

Some believe that the legislation will make it easier for the government to force ultra-orthodox practices, while others fear it will allow high-ranking government officials to get away with charges like bribery and fraud.

The fight against the judicial overhaul is not limited to the march. Union strikes have been organized, causing thousands of military personnel to declare a suspension of their volunteer duties in support of the protest.

In the near future, protesters are expected to spread their message all throughout important landmarks in Jerusalem, including Mr. Netanyahu’s residence. It is clear that the battle against judicial overhaul is long from over.