news brief Thousands rally in Jerusalem as vote begins on first judicial reform proposal

Thousands gathered across the country on Monday in protests, as the first of several proposed judicial reforms were being brought to vote in the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee session at the Knesset.

As children left for school, others traveled to protest meeting points, including one located next to the Supreme Court building in Jerusalem, directly across from the Knesset.

Similar demonstrations gathered in Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Ben Gurion International Airport.

Protest leaders had announced buses would be available to transport people to protest sites in Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Beersheba and Jerusalem.

Hundreds of high-tech startups, law firms, private companies and even university students were also expected to strike Monday against the reforms.