Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protesting Women of the Wall prayer service in Jerusalem
Women of Wall hold first monthly prayer service since recent ruling that allows women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall.
By Judy Maltz and Yair Ettinger | May.10, 2013 | 8:08 AM
Haaretz
A tense stand-off in Jerusalem on Friday morning, when the Women of the Wall hold their first monthly prayer service at the Western Wall since a recent landmark ruling by the Jerusalem District Court that it is not a violation of “local custom” for women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall.
On Thursday, a prominent rabbi called for thousands of girls from ultra-Orthodox seminaries in Jerusalem to protest against the Women of the Wall. Ultra-Orthodox protesters have made a practice in recent months of taunting the women as they approach the Western Wall plaza on their way to the women’s section and jeering loudly at them during their prayer service from across the barrier separating the men and women’s sections.
Anticipating provocation by ultra-Orthodox individuals and groups, leaders of the movement have instructed supporters and activists planning to participate in the event not to “engage in conflict – verbal or physical” with any of the protesters.
The prayer service was planned following consultations with Kotel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Knesset members from United Torah Judaism.
LIVE BLOG:
8:20 A.M. As morning prayers over, police form a human barricade, trying to let the group of women and their supporters out of the Western Wall plaza. Ultra-Orthodox try to breka police barricade.
8:00 A.M. Police preparing for further clashes after the morning prayers. (Army Radio)
7:50 A.M. Ultra-Orthodox girls say they were said to come the Western Wall, but some were not sure why. "We were told to come here," one said. "We thought that the women are praying at the men's plaza," another tells Haaretz.
7:30 A.M. People from the crowed are throwing water and water bottles at group of the group of women and their supporters.
7:10 A.M. Members of Women of the Wall and their supporters, about two hundred men and women, are surrounded by thousands of ultra-Orthodox men wearing prayer shawls. Riot police forces surround try to separate the two groups and allow the women continue their prayer.
7:00 A.M. Ultra-Orthodox screaming "Nazis" at police as Women of the Wall try to make their way.
6:53 A.M. Riot police forces form a human chain, creating a barrier between members of Women of the Wall and ultra-Orthodox protestors.
6:50 A.M. Person arrested at Western Wall for throwing trash bag at the police and a chair at Women of the Wall.
6:45 A.M. Western Wall swarming with ultra-Orthodox protestors, making it difficult for Women of the Wall to approach.
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