“The demonstration on Saturday night is scheduled to take place in the heart of the state of Tel Aviv but it is light years away from Tel Aviv bubble. Now is the time of those who bear the burden, without differences of left and right, of kibbutzim and moshavim, knitted kippa wearers, young people from development towns, settlers and city folk.

Since last summer, the streets of the city have seen demonstrators who want to make change. Some of them wanted this for the sake of the state, others wanted it only for the sake of demonstration. They succeeded in proving that Israeli democracy works, that the public has power when it takes to the street. They failed because they got mixed up between social justice and politics. Because they caused others to feel uncomfortable with their calls and with the draft-dodgers standing on the stage.

The people that you’ll see tomorrow at the demonstration are the people who do combat service, who do reserve duty, who volunteer in social organizations. They are the ones who carry this country on their backs with pride. They are not suckers, they are Zionists. They are taking to the streets not against something, but so that this government will decide on the right thing. That is our great challenge, the task most important for Israel.

The country will not be able, over time, to sustain a situation of citizens who have no obligations to it and who do not identify with it. The economy will not be able to care for sectors that don’t work and don’t pay taxes. There is room for exceptions, but there can be no accepting a situation in which the majority of first graders are no longer Zionists. Whose parents don’t produce. This battle is not just over sharing the burden, it is for our home.

We need everyone: the Haredim, the workers and the growing percentage of secular draft-dodgers who do this for reasons of art, cowardice or illness. Anyone who can share the real burden and risk their lives in the army—should enlist. Those who are scared or who cannot—should do national service. There must be no excuses for anyone.

Whatever plan or technique is decided on, the change is what is important. Take to the streets tomorrow, have an impact. I too plan to be there. Be on your guard against the despairing, the weak, the tired. Beware of the technocrats and the political hacks. Make Zionism, because no one else will. We are the ones who bear the burden.”