May Day, the traditional workers’ holiday, was observed in Israel today. Many schools were closed as were post offices and the Histadrut-owned Bank Hapoalim. Other banks remained open.
Histadrut and Labor Party leaders headed a May Day parade in Haifa. The slogan was “Stop the Collapse, ” a reference to Israel’s economic woes. There were May Day rallies in other parts of the country.
The pro-Moscow Rakah (Communist) Party organized a parade in Nazareth with slogans calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state to exist alongside Israel. But May Day observances planned on the West Bank were cancelled at the last minute because of what the organizers called the “situation.” No further explanation was given.
Nevertheless, Communist-backed trade unions held meetings where the appeal was for unity. Supporters of Palestine Liberation Organization chief Yasir Arafat urged support for the PLO. No incidents were reported.
May Day is one of two alternative public holidays allowed government employees. The other is Tisha B’Av. Orthodox Jews employed by the postal system take both. Today, as on past May Days, all Histadrut-owned and labor-related enterprises were closed.
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