17 August in Israel: on the streets against the war

UK Friends of Standing Together supporter Jessica Douek was in Israel on 17 August, which saw the largest [protests and strikes](https://ukfost.co.uk/hundreds-of-thousands-protest-war-in-israel) to demand a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement so far. Below are her reflections on the experience. I attended a protest on Israel’s national strike day, August 17th. I was one of an estimated 2.5 million people — equivalent to a quarter of the country’s population — who filled the streets to demand an end to the war, an end to the devastation in Gaza, and a hostage deal. Proportionally, this was larger than any protest ever seen in the UK or US. In an historic moment, Jews and Arabs stood side by side against their government, against the cycle of death and destruction, and against plans to expand military operations and occupy Gaza. Recent polls show that over 70% of Israelis support both a ceasefire and a hostage deal. Multiple news outlets report that in 2025, more than 100,000 reservist soldiers are refusing to fight. Standing Together played a major role in the strike, shaping the language and discourse now spreading across Israeli society, particularly around the horrors in Gaza. The protests continue in earnest, led by hostage families and supported by a broad coalition across the country. I returned to the UK more determined than ever to back those working tirelessly on the ground. Our role here is to help sustain their pressure, amplify their voices, and support efforts that disrupt the status quo and force change. This is a watershed moment — and I believe the people can succeed. [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/DOdlm72Cm0M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)[A post shared by Standing Together עומדים ביחד نقف معًا (@standing.together.english)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DOdlm72Cm0M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) *Posted 21 September*