JERUSALEM (JTA) — Social protest rallies were held in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and three other Israeli cities.

The Saturday night rallies, held also in Haifa, Kiryat Shemona and Pardes Hana, were called the beginning of nationwide social justice protests such as those that took place across Israel last summer.

Several thousand Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, with demonstrators marching from poorer southern neighborhoods to Rabin Square. At least nine demonstrators were arrested.

Hundreds marched in Jerusalem toward the Prime Minister’s Residence.

The rallies were part of an international day of protest to mark the first anniversary of the first social justice protest that took place in Puerta del Sol, Madrid.

Rallies in Israel are expected to pick up toward the end of June following the last university final exams.

