Police officer seriously injured during 'Justice for Raphael' protest

A police officer was seriously injured after a sharp object was thrown at him on Wednesday during a protest in central Tel Aviv calling for justice for Raphael Adana, a four-year-old boy who was killed in a hit-and-run in Netanya.

Another police officer and a protester were lightly injured after a Molotov cocktail was thrown by a protester was seriously injured after a sharp object was thrown at him. Four other officers were injured as well.

תיעוד ממצלמות המשטרה של השלכת בקבוק התבערה במהלך הפגנת "צדק לרפאל" בצומת קפלן בת"א. אחד המפגינים נפצע מהאש. pic.twitter.com/yTqryv3Hqd

— Josh Breiner (@JoshBreiner) August 30, 2023

The protesters demand a re-examination of evidence in the case following the decision of the prosecutor's office to prosecute the driver for the crime of neglect rather than for murder or manslaughter. 

Police blocked Kaplan St. from Leonardo Da Vinci St. to Menachem Begin Blvd, in both directions, as well as Yigal Alon Rd. from Derech HaShalom westbound. They also blocked on and off-ramps to the Ayalon Highway at the HaShalom Interchange. During the protest, demonstrators temporarily blocked the Ayalon highway. Four protesters were arrested amid the demonstrations.

Police also made arrests on Highway 4.

Raphael's father spoke during the demonstration, stating "When Raphael was in the hospital, friends called me and told me - I share in the grief that Raphael passed away?". I answered 'No, Rafael is here next to me.' The hospital issued an order through their speakers, that Rafael had passed away, and Rafael was next to me. I already knew from there that I did not trust the bodies in this country."

Raphael's memory motivates quest for justice

Rafael's father attacked the various state bodies: "My child was murdered and abandoned on the road on the most simple and innocent trip in the world, with his grandfather and older brother. But [to us] Rafael is alive and well, and we see him in everything. He raised everyone back up so that there would be justice, something real. I am not inclined to trust any Knesset member."

After the "Justice for Raphael" protest ended the protesters were dispersed by police using shock grenades and police horses, and Ayalon Road was opened to vehicle traffic.