On a day that should have been one of celebration — Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh of Adar, International Women’s Day and the 30th anniversary of our friends and partners at Women of the Wall (WOW) — we instead saw hate, violence, incitement and a tear in the unity of the Jewish people and Israel. All who love Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people can only be horrified by this morning’s events. Full equality for women will always be at the heart of Masorti/Conservative Judaism.
We stand in eternal solidarity with WOW, The Masorti Movement In Israel, Noam, Jewish Pluralism Watch, Schechter Rabbinical School, and all of the brave and principled activists for pluralism and inclusion in Israel. Strength, courage and perseverance!
We send wishes and prayers for a speedy and full recovery from injuries suffered by physical and spiritual violence perpetrated against our Masorti Movement friends, leaders and activists of WOW and other supporters. Refuah Shlema.
The intentional disruption and violence perpetrated against women praying together — and women and men coming together in prayer — must end. And the Israeli authorities — civil and religious — must fulfill their duty to protect the safety, dignity and religious rights of all.
May this be the last Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh desecrated by this type of ugliness — which ultimately will be defeated by love, faith, passion and unity.
In the face of this hate, the Masorti Movement continues its affirmative work for an #InclusiveIsrael and the values of traditional Judaism.
Read an an eye-witness report by Rabbinical Assembly President, Rabbi Mikie Goldstein.
And to view a video of Masorti CEO, Yizhar Hess, surrounded and attacked at the Kotel, visit MASORTI THEATER on our Home Page.
Read more in these news stories:
Masorti Rabbinical Student, Nava Meiersdorf
