Five Women Held For Breaching Ban At Jerusalem's Western Wall
Five women were arrested for protesting against rules forbidding women from wearing religious symbols at the holy site
Five women were arrested for protesting against rules forbidding women from wearing religious symbols at the holy site
Five women have been detained following a protest against rules forbidding women from wearing religious symbols at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.
At sunrise this morning, 120 women went to pray at the Wall – a Biblical Temple compound. The five women were arrested for wearing various religious items and colourful prayer shawls, traditionally worn only by Orthodox Jewish men.
Eye-witness Erica Chernofsky told the BBC that about 100 men heckled the group of women, and one set fire to one of the women’s prayer books. He was also detained.
The organization known as the Women of the Wall (WoW) say their aim is to be able to 'wear prayer shawls, pray, and read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the Western Wall'. They have vowed to continue their prayer services every month until a compromise has been reached.
Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Natan Sharansky, has expressed hope that the site 'will once again be a symbol of unity among the Jewish people and not one of discord and strife'.
The authorities are trying to solve the dispute, and according to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will consider Sharansky’s proposal of a compromise, although it would risk upsetting the powerful ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, as well as Muslims who worship close to the Western Wall.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Trust me, this is the only style of boot that you need to invest in for winter
From high street to high end.
By Avalon Afriyie
-
These are the most exciting fashion collaborations to shop for autumn/winter 2024
You heard it here first
By Sofia Piza
-
Pilates slider exercises are as effective as Reformer Pilates - 8 moves to boost core strength and flexibility from home
Get ready to feel the burn.
By Anna Bartter