A petition was filed with the High Court of Justice on Monday 10 Nissan calling on the court to intervene, to prevent the planned Birchas Kohanos which is scheduled to take place in the ezras noshim of the Kosel on the first day of chol hamoed Pesach. The petition was submitted by the “B’Tzedek” NGO, explaining the goal of the event is nothing more than a provocation and to gain media exposure for “feminist activities”. B’Tzedek insists there is absolutely no connection between religion and the Women of the Wall (WoW) organization.

B’Tzedek explains that a study reveals WoW is motivated exclusively by its feminist agenda without any connection to religion. Petitioners add the actions of WoW are in violation of the laws protecting the holy sites and the minhag of the site over the decades – adding such an event would significantly harm the religious sensitivities of mispallalim at the Kosel, not to mention that their actions are contrary to halacha.

B’Tselem is seeking a temporary injunction that will prevent the event which they feel will make a mockery of Toras Yisrael and the main yomtov Birchas Kohanim which is set to take place on the second day of chol hamoed in line with the long-standing tradition.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)