Nachman Shai, Israel's Minister of Diaspora Affairs (Moshe Shai/Flash90)

Nachman Shai, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs (Moshe Shai/Flash90)

Last week I provided a copy of the letter on behalf of the Australian Progressive and Masorti movements to the Prime Minister of Israel. In it we expressed our deep concern in relation to the violence at the Kotel by Ultra-Orthodox youth and men against Progressive and Masorti Jews praying and celebrating a B’nai Mitzvah.

Today we received an email from the office of the Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Nachman Shai. It said the following.

We have received your email and letter to Prime Minister Yair Lapid on the horrific incident at the Egalitarian Plaza that took place a few weeks ago. Minister Shai sees this act of violence with great severity. These riots were an unacceptable provocation in a place that is holy for every Jew – no matter which stream they belong to.

The office and the Minister are working hard to ensure that such things do not happen again and to ensure that Israel is a place welcome and open to all. Please know that his door is always open to you and that we are partners in this goal.

Regards,

Hilla

Hilla Drechler
Senior Advisor
Ministry of Diaspora Affairs of Israel

ARZA President, Helen Shardey

Helen Shardey OAM
ARZA Australia President
UPJ Vice President