Democracy & Rights

Democracy & Rights

Featured Story

Is the Orthodox Halacha in the USA different than it is in Israel?

Is the Orthodox Halacha in the USA different than it is in Israel?

07/06/2023 12:03

The Halacha is the Halacha is the Halacha!

Full Story »


More Stories

71% of Israeli Jews: Rabbinate's monopoly distances Jews from Judaism

71% of Israeli Jews: Rabbinate's monopoly distances Jews from Judaism

14/02/2016 16:54

Not only is the denial of the freedom to marry antithetical to core democratic principles, but it also undermines Jewish interests. 71% of the Israeli Jewish public maintain that the Chief Rabbinate's and the rabbinical courts' monopoly over marriage and divorce distances Jews from Judaism.

After Kotel compromise, dramatic changes still needed

After Kotel compromise, dramatic changes still needed

Uri Regev 03/02/2016 10:50

The progress made over the Kotel should convince communal leaders that we need to further engage in the religion-state clash, and that Israelis need support in advancing the Jewish state’s own core founding principles of religious freedom and equality for all.

Is the Kotel Deal Merely a Fig Leaf For Rabbinic Tyranny?

Is the Kotel Deal Merely a Fig Leaf For Rabbinic Tyranny?

Uri Regev 02/02/2016 09:29

The historic Kotel Agreement represents laudable progress in Israel’s stormy sea of religion, state and politics, but it is important to remember that the issue of prayer at the Kotel is only one of many in the arena of ​​religious freedom. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and relishing this.

How to most effectively advocate for religious freedom and equality in Israel

How to most effectively advocate for religious freedom and equality in Israel

Uri Regev 26/01/2016 15:41

What advocacy strategy should supporters of religious freedom in Israel pursue? How should we set our policy priorities? How meaningful are Prime Minister Netanyahu's promises to Diaspora Jewry?

Hiddush presents: Marriage freedom by the numbers

Hiddush presents: Marriage freedom by the numbers

13/01/2016 12:03

Hiddush released its new presentation titled, 'Marriage Freedom in Israel: by the Numbers,' which provides answers to the questions most often asked about the condition of marriage freedom in Israel, and related issues. Shahar Ilan, the Hiddush VP of Research and Information, presented the data at the meeting of the Knesset's Peoplehood, Religion, & State Caucus.

Hiddush makes progress on military burial rights for IDF soldiers

Hiddush makes progress on military burial rights for IDF soldiers

29/12/2015 23:18

Once again, Hiddush is impacting on Israeli governmental policies, advancing religious freedom and equality. This time – it’s about a very painful and sensitive issue: burial of fallen soldiers. Last week we were informed of the acceptance of our demands (although we will have to follow the implementation, as we know from past experience…).

The Chief Rabbinate's anti-Christmas policy

The Chief Rabbinate's anti-Christmas policy

Uri Regev 29/12/2015 13:10

The ban on placing Christmas trees in hotels is but one example of the many ways that the rabbinate disregards the law and extorts submission to its norms in breach of the law.

Israel's Rabbinate coerces and discriminates in hotels

Israel's Rabbinate coerces and discriminates in hotels

21/12/2015 18:39

Despite officially and publicly updating its kashrut regulations for hotels this year, in order to be in compliance with the law, Israel's Rabbinate continues to coerce hotels to enforce Shabbat restrictions and its illegal ban against all Christian holiday symbols.

Israel's theocratic elements becoming more violent and vocal

Israel's theocratic elements becoming more violent and vocal

Uri Regev 04/11/2015 23:07

The formula "Jewish and democratic" remains not only unsettled, but actually serves as a mine field. Frequent explosions occur, for religious extremists feeling constrained do not hesitate to threaten the institutions of the State to have their demands met.

Chief Rabbinate perverting Sukkot with religious bigotry

Chief Rabbinate perverting Sukkot with religious bigotry

Uri Regev 06/10/2015 21:04

Only one year ago, Chief Rabbi Lau self-righteously preached to the Pope, proclaiming Israel's greatness in protection of religious freedom, and now he himself aimed to curtail Christian prayer services in Jerusalem.

Analysis of Israelis from the Former Soviet Union

Analysis of Israelis from the Former Soviet Union

David Bogomolny 19/08/2015 01:41

The graphs below show the opinions held by FSU olim in Israel, as compared to the general, Jewish Israeli public. It should go without saying that this demographic is the most adversely affected by the Orthodox Rabbinate's monopolistic powers, and there is no way one could envisage the successful absorption of the FSU immigrant population into Israel society if these issues are not resolved - first and foremost, the right to marry freely!

Supreme Court hears Hiddush petition against coercive rabbinical court

Supreme Court hears Hiddush petition against coercive rabbinical court

26/07/2015 15:50

Justice Mazuz: “The ‘Writs of Refusal’ are intended to deny a person his rights as a man and a citizen by blocking his/her way to State institutions (i.e. - the courts) that can render him remedy in realizing his rights.”

Support for public transporation on Shabbat at highest level ever

Support for public transporation on Shabbat at highest level ever

01/05/2015 02:47

What gives Israel its Jewish character? Is it liberty, justice and peace, as taught by the Hebrew Prophets, or is it the lack of public transportation on Shabbat, which greatly restricts the weakest sectors of Israeli society?

Israel's High Court Unanimously Agrees with Hiddush

Israel's High Court Unanimously Agrees with Hiddush

14/11/2014 13:47

November 12 marked a major, promising step in our battles that will surely become a landmark legal case on the road to ensuring Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state. Privately issued "writs of refusal" excommunicating those who turn to Israel's legal system for justice are illegal - the private rabbinical courts continue acting illegally in defiance of the law.

Rabbi Shlomo Amar's Uncandid Candidacy

Rabbi Shlomo Amar's Uncandid Candidacy

27/10/2014 20:21

Rabbi Shlomo Amar was elected Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Jerusalem after some back room wheeling and dealing. He invited Dr. Laura Wharton and Rabbi Bandel of Meretz over during the holiday of Sukkot to secure the Meretz vote, and then he claimed not to know them.

Take Action!

Go to Top ^