Thousands of teenagers, young people and adults, labor union members, and members of the HaNoar HaOved v’HaLomed (NOAL) youth movement and the Dror Israel graduate movement, celebrated the 1st of May at Beit Ariela Square in Tel Aviv.
The chairman of the Histadrut, Arnon Bar-David, greeted the large crowd: "I remember in the 1960s the May Day demonstrations in Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands of workers marched on Ibn Gvirol street, expressed solidarity with the workplace and called for social justice."
"We in the Histadrut are leading the way for social justice in the State of Israel,” Bar-David said. “I see the youth movements in Israel, I grew up in the youth movements. When I see you from different backgrounds and from all corners of the country, I am optimistic that we will succeed in continuing to build the country despite the stormy days. We will continue to build the country according to our values: social justice and a welfare state that also protects the weak, regardless of religion, race and gender."
"The trade unions are the lifeblood of Israeli democracy,” he continued. “No one will succeed in weakening them, nor will they try. Those who try will find us ready. We are proud of what we give to our members and we want to see you grow as well and be part of the trade union, part of our house.”
The “Certificate of Unionization” of the Histadrut HaNoar HaOved’s Division for Labor Unions is awarded every year to veteran labor unions, newly founded unions, and unions working to promote the rights of youth workers in the labor market. Additionally, the certificate was awarded to the Organization and Districts Division of the Histadrut led by deputy chairman of the Histadrut, Avi Yehezkel.
The Director General of the Histadrut, Dudu Bezalel, congratulated the recipients of the certificate and noted the special relationship between the Histadrut and NOAL.
Among the veteran unions that received the certificate were the workers' unions in Assuta Medical Center, Ashdod and Ramat Chayal and the National Workers' Organization of the Aerospace Industry.
The new unions that received the certificate are the unions for Azrieli College administrative staff, Strauss Group janitors, Namal HaDarom, Ma’ayan HaChinuch HaTorani – Bnei Yosef, the Amach Association, Tower, Neve Shanan College, Pazgaz, Megason, Golan Telecom, National Sports Center, Freesbe, Reshefim, Afula Municipal Council, Shehakim, Gefen Dekel, Jerusalem Religious Council, Tevel Metro, the Canadian Embassy, Sasatech, Giloz, and Hadassim.
The certificate was also given to the young unions at Burger Ranch and Pizza Hut, alongside Segev Express waiters in Rishon Lezion and Wolt’s couriers in Jerusalem who are fighting for their rights.
During the event, activities were held to increase awareness to promote a more democratic and equal society, promote social justice and strengthen the status of the working person. In addition, a special emphasis was placed on promoting the employment rights of teens, a population that the Histadrut and youth movement regularly assist in order to maintain their rights and strengthen their occupational security.
The event concluded with performances by hip hop artists Jimbo J and Teddy Ngusa.
This article was translated from Hebrew by Lily Sieradzki.
