On the 6th day of
Hanuka, celebrating Rosh Hodesh Tevet, four women were arrested at Judaism's
holiest site, praying while wearing tallitot.
The World Union for
Progressive Judaism notes with sadness the treatment received at the hands of
Israeli Police who arrested Rabbi Elyse Frishman (senior rabbi of Barnert
Temple in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and a member of the WUPJ Rabbinic Circle, see video below), and two 18 year old women from the UK who were in
Israel for the World Union sponsored Netzer Gap-Year Program, as well as a
board member of Women of the Wall. These women, and all others assembled
there, were simply trying to pray.
We join with our
Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism in calling for a third section to be created
in which men and women can pray together, while respecting the rights of those
who chose to pray in separate sections. How ironic that as Jews around the
world celebrate the victory of spirit over forced assimilation, that Jews who
want to pray have their rights denied by an ultra-orthodox hegemony. We call
upon the State to heed its own Supreme Court and find a resolution.
Until that happens, Israel still fails to live up to the ideals upon which it
was founded, as a haven for Jews everywhere.
We support the
efforts of the Women of the Wall and our hearts, and our support, go out to
those who stood up in the face of injustice for the sake of the greater Jewish
community.
