The Mendelblit-Bennett plan for Western Wall perpetuates gender and religious discrimination

Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev swiftly responded to the Ministry of Religious Services' newly-installed prayer platform under the Western Wall plaza as a danger to Israel's own interests.

01/09/2013 12:39

Tags: Western Wall · Women of the Wall · Naftali Bennett · freedom of religion · Southern Wall · Natan Sharansky

Following Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mendelblit's proposal to create a separate space for non-Orthodox prayer outside of the Western Wall plaza, Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev responded, saying: "The Mendelblit plan is an expected setback to freedom and equality at the Western Wall and we're better off without the plan at all. It's sad to see that even though the current government coalition isn't dependent on the ultra-Orthodox parties, they continue to discriminate against women and non-Orthodox Jews."

The plan came in conjunction with the Ministry of Religious Services' installation of a platform for non-Orthodox prayer in the Robinson's Arch complex near the Southen Wall. Though the platform is considered to be temporary, it has been received with a significant amount of criticism. Many advocates for freedom of religious expression at the Western Wall see it as a major setback.

It's sad to see that even though the current government coalition isn't dependent on the ultra-Orthodox parties, they continue to discriminate against women and non-Orthodox Jews."

The platform's design and setup contradict the initial plan that Jewish Agency Chairman, Natan Sharansky, had proposed to solve the conflict at the Western Wall. The location of the platform creates a feeling of separation from the rest of the worshippers at the Western Wall because it located below the complex. The platform also prevents worshippers from actually touching the stones of the wall. Sharanksy's plan was to create a egalitarian prayer area that is on the same level as the rest of the complex.

According to Rabbi Regev, "The Western Wall belongs to the entire Jewish people. If Cabinet Secretary Mendelblit wants to construct a stockade at the Western Wall for non-Orthodox Jews, anyone who understands the importance of religious freedom and the connection between Israel and the Diaspora should remind him that the continued conflict seriously damages the State of Israel's vital interests. This plan, if implemented, will ensure the continued battle over religion in Israel for many years to come."