Progressive groups slam Knesset bill restricting Western Wall prayer

Australian progressive Jewish organisations have condemned legislation advanced in the Knesset that would grant the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over prayer at all areas of the Western Wall, warning it would effectively criminalise non-Orthodox Jewish worship.

The Union for Progressive Judaism, ARZA, Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors of Australia, Netzer  and Mercaz-Masorti issued a joint statement on Wednesday following the Knesset’s 56-47 preliminary vote in favour of the bill, which would prevent Jews from holding prayer services at the Wall under threat of imprisonment for up to seven years.

“This is a law that targets Jews who are not Orthodox and undermines the fundamental principle of freedom of religion,” the statement said.

“For the majority of Australian Jews who identify with Progressive, Reform, or Masorti traditions, these developments feel like a direct assault on the legitimacy of our own religious lives.”

The organisations said the impact was “profound and painful” at a time when the Israeli government was asking for unwavering advocacy and support in the face of rising global antisemitism.