Shikma Bressler, a physicist and mother of five, has emerged as a symbol in the battle against the Israeli government’s controversial restructuring of the judiciary

Shikma Bressler, a physicist and mother of five, has emerged as a symbol in the battle against the Israeli government’s controversial restructuring of the judiciary. She has been arrested multiple times for protesting the changes, which she believes will weaken the independence of the judiciary.

Bressler is one of many Israelis who have been critical of the overhaul, which was passed by the Knesset in July 2022. The changes give the government more power to appoint and dismiss judges, and they also make it easier for the government to intervene in judicial decisions.

Bressler argues that the changes will make it more difficult for the judiciary to hold the government accountable. She also believes that the changes will erode public trust in the judiciary.

“I am protesting because I believe that the judicial overhaul is a dangerous attack on democracy,” Bressler said in an interview. “The judiciary is the last line of defense against the abuse of power, and we cannot allow it to be weakened.”

Bressler’s arrest has sparked a wave of protests across Israel. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the judicial overhaul.

The Israeli government has defended the changes, arguing that they are necessary to make the judiciary more efficient and accountable. However, critics say that the changes are an attempt by the government to control the judiciary and silence dissent.

The future of the judicial overhaul is uncertain. The changes are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court, and it is unclear whether they will be upheld. However, Bressler and her supporters are determined to continue fighting against the changes, even if it means risking arrest.

“We will not give up until the judicial overhaul is repealed,” Bressler said. “We will not allow the government to silence our voices.”