Ultra-Orthodox views shun women
800 delegates from 40 different countries are expected to attend the conference in Tel Aviv, which will include a special panel upholding the rights of Israeli women after recent events in the country.
WIZO, supported by the Jewish communities in the world, will not let women in Israeli society be pushed aside
Tension erupted in December last year when a secular Jewish woman refused to sit at the back of a public bus which was travelling in an ultra-Orthodox area. Under the strict religious beliefs, women must remain separated from men, are forced to stand in different queues and are often shunned from public events.
An 8 year old girl was also spat on by ultra-Orthodox men who decided she was dressed too immodestly.
After the event, thousands of people gathered to protest against the radical attitudes, fearing that women are being increasingly excluded from public life.
Helena Glaser, President of WIZO said: “This show of strength of WIZO women is giving a loud and clear message about the position of women at the forefront, and as leaders of the Zionist and Jewish ethos. The recent events surrounding the exclusion of women intensifies the challenges that confront the existence of the State of Israel as a state of equality and democracy. WIZO, supported by the Jewish communities in the world, will not let women in Israeli society be pushed aside, therefore damaging the character of the State.”
Natalie Mortimer
Tagged in Women's Issues