Men and women worshiping at the Western Wall shouted insults at women who gathered for a Rosh Chodesh prayer service Feb. 15.
The ultra-Orthodox worshipers called the women “Nazis” and shouted other epithets at the members of Women of the Wall during the group’s monthly prayer service at the holy site, according to reports. The protestors reportedly objected to the women singing loudly and wearing tallits, as well as the men who joined the service.
Police were on hand to protect the women’s service. The women moved their worship service to the Robinson’s Arch area, designated for women’s prayer groups, where they read from a Torah scroll. Men also participated in the service, according to reports.
In a statement released Feb. 15, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall, condemned the women’s group.
“As a place dear to the heart of every Jew, every movement, and every world view, the Western Wall must remain a place that unifies rather than separates the people of Israel,” the statement said. “The different movements need to understand the complexity and sensitivity of the Western Wall, and leave it outside the borders of conflict.” — jta