NEW YORK – In response to today’s announcement that Women of the Wall’s leadership has agreed to enter into discussions with the Israeli government regarding the proposal to establish an egalitarian section at the Western Wall Plaza, in keeping with the “Sharansky Plan,” the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism applauded the decision as an important step forward for religious pluralism. Julie Schonfeld and USCJ CEO Steven Wernick together released the following statement:
We welcome the news that Women of the Wall has reached a decision in regard to the government’s anticipated offer to create an interim solution towards the implementation of the Sharansky Plan for the Kotel. We commend Anat Hoffman and all of the women of the organization who have given decades of their lives to this struggle. We know all too well that the search for compromise amidst the legitimate struggle for equality is difficult and painful. We look forward to working with WoW leadership and with the Reform Movement to clarify and implement these long-needed changes at the Kotel and to continue to work towards increased religious pluralism in Israel.