Clock Ticking On Kosel Controversy

Orthodox demonstrators form a human wall to stop egalitarian protesters from reaching the Western Wall (Photo: Flash90)

F or David and Bat-Sheva Weisenstern it was the end of an agonizing morning at the Kosel. The couple who manage the coffee stand that for some 18 years has been giving away free coffee tea and other refreshments to worshippers who arrive for the haneitz minyan were overwrought at the return of the “Women of the Wall” (WOW) on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan. Their mixed prayer service a clear provocation to Orthodox worshipers led to clashes at the Kosel Plaza.

“I just can’t stand the spectacle any longer” David said apologizing for closing his stand early. “It’s a desecration of Hashem’s Name and a sacrilege at such a holy place. I blame the Supreme Court for opening such a precedent but I also blame the security guards who normally will stop such groups from even bringing in a Megillas Esther to the site. Today they let them bring in ten sifrei Torah.”

The Kosel security forces were overwhelmed by as many as 200 members of Reform and Conservative groups protesting what they call government inaction on its decision almost ten months ago to designate a section of the Kosel’s southern wall in the area known as Robinson’s Arch for egalitarian prayer. The Netanyahu government has been stalling for time under threats from chareidi coalition members to bolt the government unless the decision is modified.