2011 Israeli housing protests against rising living costs

On July 14, 2011, Israel witnessed the onset of the 2011 housing protests, a significant social movement that brought together hundreds of thousands of citizens from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The protests were primarily fueled by widespread discontent over the escalating cost of living, with a particular focus on housing affordability. Many Israelis expressed frustration over the increasing financial burden of rent and home ownership, which had become unsustainable for a large segment of the population. Additionally, the protests highlighted concerns regarding the deterioration of essential public services, including health care and education, which many felt were being neglected by the government. The movement reached its zenith on September 3, 2011, when approximately 400,000 demonstrators took to the streets across the country, marking it as the largest social protest in Israel's history. This unprecedented mobilization underscored the urgent need for policy reforms aimed at addressing the economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens and improving public services.