WJC head Lauder laments divisiveness caused by Western Wall reversal

World Jewish Congress President Ron Lauder says he is “deeply perturbed” over the divisiveness within Jewish communities that has arisen in the wake of an Israeli cabinet decision to freeze the implementation of a pluralistic worship area at the Western Wall.

“The Western Wall is an integral part of Jewish history and holds deep significance for all of us, regardless of religious practice or orientation,” Lauder says in a statement. “I am deeply perturbed by the divisiveness that has arisen in recent days over the controversy surrounding this sacred site.”

“As the president of the World Jewish Congress, I have received messages from leaders of Jewish communities around the world expressing deep concern about the current situation,” he says. “For many of these communities, praying at the Western Wall is a rite of passage, and they are understandably anxious that they will not be welcome there.”