Police detain minors protesting at the Western Wall
A disturbance broke out this morning, Rosh Chodesh Elul, at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. A group of women attempted to hold a 'Reform minyan,' sparking an uproar among worshippers who viewed the act as a deliberate provocation.
A disturbance broke out this morning, Friday, Rosh Chodesh Elul, at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. A group of women arrived at the site once again and attempted to hold a 'Reform minyan.' Their arrival sparked a major uproar among the worshippers present, who felt it was a deliberate provocation and a blatant disruption of the proper order of prayer at the Western Wall plaza.
After failing to bring a Torah scroll into the plaza, the group brought in a parchment containing the Rosh Chodesh reading. Following the attempt to hold the Reform minyan, many women who had come to pray began to protest against the act and took action to prevent it. A large crowd gathered in the prayer area, with worshippers expressing their protest against what they described as a violation of the site's sanctity and the traditions of Israel. The protesters emphasized that this was a recurring attempt to create political provocations in the heart of the holy site.
During the event, shouts were heard, and the atmosphere in the women's section grew tense. Police forces operating at the scene intervened and detained several minors who were participating in the protest against the 'Women of the Wall.' Some of the worshippers criticized the conduct of the police and the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, claiming that the authorities are allowing these provocations to occur at the holy site.
This morning's event takes place against the backdrop of significant developments regarding the future of the Western Wall. As part of proceedings pending in the Supreme Court, the issue of establishing a Reform plaza in the southern complex has been raised. This week, the Israel Antiquities Authority submitted its position to the court, clarifying that without orderly planning procedures, it is completely opposed to any changes or construction at the historical and holy site.
The events this morning occur amidst a wider struggle over the character of the Western Wall. Parallel to the legal proceedings, groups of seminary and ulpana students frequently arrive on Rosh Chodesh to protest against the 'Women of the Wall' prayers. In the past, attempts to bring a Torah scroll into the women's section in violation of regulations have caused similar uproars, leading to clashes and criticism. These recurring incidents have often turned the Western Wall plaza into an arena of protest and struggle over the character of the holy site.
