Dear ARZA Australia members. I received this email from IRAC and the IMPJ. I believe we have a genuine interest in understanding the issues around one of the holiest sites in Jewish history. The Kotel.
The Western Wall belongs to us all!
The Western Wall, the holiest site for the Jewish people, is run as an ultra-Orthodox synagogue. It is a reflection of the ultra-Orthodox monopoly on all aspects of Jewish life and identity in Israel. And all attempts at egalitarian prayer are met with harassment and violence.
The fact that ultra-Orthodoxy is the only Judaism permitted at the Western Wall is unacceptable.
In 2016, the Israeli government decided to create a large, respectable, and accessible egalitarian prayer plaza at the Western Wall, but the decision was frozen before any steps were taken towards its implementation. Now the government has the opportunity to fulfill its promises and allow all Jews a place to worship at Judaism’s holiest site. Reinstating the Western Wall Agreement will show that Israel is committed to taking the necessary steps to improve Israel-Diaspora relations, and will demonstrate that the State recognizes that there is more than one way to be Jewish.
Watch the video above for more information about the Western Wall Agreement and how to help us ensure that it is implemented.
Helen Shardey OAM
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President