Deputy Minister for Diplomatic Relations Michael Oren says he will oppose a Shas party proposal that would make it illegal to hold pluralistic prayer services at the Western Wall plaza, warning it could “cause an irreparable rift in the Jewish world.”
Responding to the bill presented on Sunday, Oren tells The Times of Israel that the proposal will be a “tremendous blow to our credibility and our security.”
“This legislation would not only cause an irreparable rift in the Jewish world but could possibly have far reaching ramifications for our strategic relationship with the United States,” the Kulanu MK says, adding that he will vote against it in the Knesset.
“The majority of American Jews identify with the Reform and Conservative movement and their support is vital for the US-Israel alliance,” he says.
Anat Hoffman, director of Women of the Wall, holds a Torah scroll at the Western Wall, November 2, 2016. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)
The proposed law would impose penalties of six months’ imprisonment or a fine of NIS 10,000 ($2,600) on those who hold mixed-gender services or women’s Torah readings, and women who don a prayer shawl or phylacteries.
Should it pass into law, it would effectively end the negotiated agreement passed by the cabinet almost a year ago that approved the construction of an egalitarian prayer plaza alongside the Orthodox-controlled one at the holy site.
— Raoul Wootliff
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