What is the Kotel Bill?

The proposed bill would amend the Protection of Holy Places Law to define “desecration” as any conduct that goes against the rulings of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and formally recognize the Chief Rabbis as the official representatives of the Jewish religion. This gives the Ultra-Orthodox Rabbinate the power to make any act that offends Ultra-Orthodox sensibilities a criminal offense which could be punishable by up to seven years in prison – this can include non-Orthodox or mixed-gender prayer, women wearing clothing that do not reflect Ultra-Orthodox modesty, women speaking at national ceremonies, or non-Orthodox youth movements celebrating Shabbat in song and dance.

Why it matters globally?

The proposed Kotel Bill threatens the rights of Israeli citizens and Jewish visitors from around the world violating Israel’s Declaration of Independence to guarantee freedom of religion and safeguard the Holy Places of all religions. When we safeguard the right to egalitarian and non-Orthodox prayer at the Western Wall, we stand up for the rights of Jews everywhere to practice their faith and traditions. The Kotel as a national symbol and spiritual home for Jews in Israel and worldwide, must be upheld as a place of Jewish unity which means to respect the diversity of the Jewish people as it is today and as it has been for generations.

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