The Department for Diaspora Activities of the World Zionist Organization, which works tirelessly to strengthen the ties between Jewish communities in the Diaspora and Israel, and aims to turn the State of Israel into “Beit Ha’am”– the “Home of the Nation” for all Jewry — applauds the important step to make a permanent space for egalitarian prayer at the Kotel.

“Zionism is a return to Judaism even before the return to the land of the Jews. We prodigal sons who are returning home find in our home several matters requiring urgent correction…but in the future home we are heartily greeted.”

~Binyamin Ze’ev Herzl

I welcome the decision of the Israeli government today approving an historic agreement at the Western Wall plaza, whereupon a special area will be assigned for prayer of men and women together.

 The unprecedented decision of the Israeli government expresses a general recognition of the streams that make up the Jewish people and expresses its respect for the variety of ways that each one chooses to note, celebrate and express his or her Jewishness.

Today, the Israeli government took another step in realizing the Zionist dream.

Sincerely,

Gusti Yehoshua Braverman

Head, Department for Diaspora Activities

 

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