Yiftach Golov, an up and coming video game streamer with Fortnite as his expertise, participated in a protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday while showcasing his skills with the popular game. Golov, along with hundreds of thousands of other protesters, took to the streets for the 13th week in a row, hoisting a brown flag that represents a group called “Brother and Sisters in Arms.” This group is made up of veterans, many of whom come from elite forces, who are now fighting to save Israeli democracy. Golov, a former special forces reconnaissance unit member, was never particularly political but felt compelled to join the protest movement against the Israeli government’s judicial overhaul plan.
While some veterans have chosen to refuse service or training in protest of the government’s plans, Golov has not taken this drastic step. However, he understands and supports the motivation behind these actions. Golov and his fellow members of Brothers and Sisters in Arms use their military skills to organize and mobilize protests, drawing on their deep sense of purpose and determination.
The protest movement in Israel consists of various groups, but the pressure from the country’s respected veterans has proven to be influential. Last week, after sustained protests and a major general strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a temporary pause in the legislation to allow for negotiations with the opposition. However, protesters are still taking to the streets in large numbers, showcasing their dedication to the cause.
Despite Netanyahu’s announcement, many protesters remain skeptical of the pause, believing it to be a stalling tactic. Golov and his fellow protesters are committed to deactivating only when they are confident that Israel will remain a fully functional democratic country. They are determined to do whatever it takes to ensure justice and liberty for their nation.