Social protest rallies were held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and three other Israeli cities.

The May 12 rallies, held also in Haifa, Kiryat Shmona and Pardes Hana, were described as the start of nationwide social justice protests similar to those that took place across Israel last summer.

Several thousand Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators marching from poorer southern neighborhoods to Rabin Square. At least nine demonstrators were arrested.

Hundreds marched in Jerusalem toward the Prime Minister’s Residence.

The rallies were part of an international day of protest to mark the first anniversary of the first social justice protest that took place in Puerta del Sol, Madrid.

Rallies in Israel are expected to pick up toward the end of June following university final exams. — jta