Zionist Union expresses half-hearted support for egalitarian section at Western Wall

The Zionist Union dedicates its no-confidence motion in the plenum to the government’s failure to implement a plan to build a non-denominational prayer section at the Western Wall.

However, in light of recent events, the lawmaker presenting the motion — Zionist Union MK Nachman Shai — mostly condemns the government efforts to save the Amona outpost through controversial legislation.

When he does address the stalemate surrounding the non-Orthodox prayer section, Shai acknowledges that “for most Israelis, it really is not important,” but adds: “for most of American Jewry, it is.”

“They expect to receive, not just to give,” he says.

Representing the government, Minister-without-portfolio Tzachi Hanegbi expresses hope the plan will go ahead, despite the objections by the ultra-Orthodox.

But he also urges everyone involved not to “fan the flames” or clash with other worshipers at the Western Wall. And he faults the non-Orthodox streams, in part, for the stalemate, linking the freeze and controversy to the excited response by Reform and Conservative Jews to the initial government decision.

“Sometimes when you win — don’t celebrate,” rebukes Hanegbi.

— Marissa Newman