Once again, Israeli citizens have proven themselves to be leaders in the effort against animal cruelty and meat consumption. On Saturday, October 4th, more than 10,000 animal rights supporters joined together in the city of Tel Aviv to spread their message. It was the largest animals rights gathering that the country has ever seen.
In recent years, veganism has taken over the mainstream in the nation of Israel, and activists are seeking to accelerate change. Word about the country’s unparalleled movement has spread to herbivores across the globe. Just this summer, Tel Aviv was named the world’s best vegan destination, prompting the question, why Israel?
What Inspired the Vegan Culture to Grow?
Surprisingly, one of the main influences of veganism in Israel is Jewish-American activist, Gary Yourofsky. The Detroit native made controversial headlines back in 2010 with a now infamous speech. Yourofsky shocked his audience by comparing human cruelty towards animals to the Holocaust.
It’s a long speech, but every word is worth listening to. It’s no big surprise that Yourofsky’s analogy received a good deal of bitter backlash from some members of the media. However, his hour-long discourse given at Georgia Institue of Technology, truly registered with a significant number of Israel’s citizens. Yourofsky’s words sparked an unprecedented trend and encouraged a revolution that is still gaining momentum.
Israel is Ahead of the Game!
The number of meatless food establishments in Israel has surpassed 400 and continues to grow. In 2013, Domino’s launched their first ever vegan pizza, which is still offered in Israel, only. It all started from a Facebook campaign that Vegan Friendly created to help the people in Israel persuade the worldwide franchise. Demonstrated clearly by events like last weekend’s march, the country’s appetite for veganism has not yet been satiated. Israel has provided an example of the power that lies in numbers and the success that comes from persistence.
Recently, PETA made a proposal for Domino’s to add vegan options to their menu but unfortunately, they voted against it. How can we change their answer? Can we hope that Israel’s compassionate and dedicated community will inspire the first vegan nation? We hope so!
Jacob Stephey says
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Nice try. Israel has become LESS vegan over the years, from 5th per capita highest meat consumption in the world to 3rd by 2013. This ‘Brand Israel’ campaign propaganda is garbage. Nothing is going to make the apartheid colonial, genocidal Jewish occupation look good, especially lying to people about the quality of those occupying and maiming Palestine.