Jerusalem, Sep 4: In the largest protest in Israel's history, more than 400,000 people hit the streets in cities across the country against the rising cost of living, calling for a "million-man march" towards bringing sweeping economic reforms.
 Media reports across Israel estimated that more than 400,000 people participated in the nationwide stir last night, by far the largest since the wave of protests began two months ago, with Tel Aviv, the nerve centre of the demonstrations, alone recording participation of more than 300,000.
 What began as a tent encampment in Tel Aviv to protest rising housing costs has mushroomed into a national grass-roots movement for social justice and more equitable distribution of wealth. Protest leader Yonatan Levy said the atmosphere was like "a second Independence Day".
 Though the government doesn't face an immediate threat of being dislodged but the waves of protests during the last two months has underscored the potential electoral impact of a burdened middle class rallying under a banner of "social justice"."Mr Prime Minister, the new Israelis have a dream and it is simple- to weave the story of our lives into Israel. We expect you to let us live in this country. The new Israelis will not give up. They demand change and will not stop until real solutions come," Protest leaders Daphni Leef and National Student Union Chairman Itzik Shmuli said, addressing the Tel Aviv crowd.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Sep 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Sep 2011 00:00:00 IST