A Declaration of War on World Jewry

The past week has been a wake-up call for those of us who care deeply about Jewish Peoplehood, the future of Israel-Diaspora relations, and Jewish pluralism here in Israel. But the story of the chaos we’re seeing unfold – from the Supreme Court to the Kotel itself to the halls of the Knesset – truly began over two decades ago with an important process led by then-Cabinet Secretary and current President of Israel, Isaac Herzog. That process led to the historic establishment of an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel, facing the southern part of the wall. It is here, over the past three decades, that thousands of Jews – Israelis and Jews from abroad – have celebrated their Bnei Mitzvah, held meaningful sunrise tefilla, and felt at home being able to pray according to their custom at the holy site.