Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan promises a radical change in the makeup of religious councils around the country. Ben-Dahan says that at least one woman will be appointed to each religious council.

Rabbi Ben-Dahan took part in a session of the Knesset Committee for the Advancement of Women on Wednesday morning 26 Marcheshvan. The deputy minister explained there will be at least three times as many women serving on religious councils nationwide.

“We have an iron rule that says any religious council that does not contain at least one woman will not be approved. In some large cities such as Kfar Saba, Ra’anana and Shomron, there will be more than one woman”, he explained.

Today there are 132 religious councils around the country the rabbi told the committee members. Women are currently serving in 80 of the councils. To date 47 councils have been formed and each includes at least one woman and in the near future, another 40 councils will be appointed and they too will include at least one woman.

Rabbi Ben-Dahan added that in the coming months his office hopes to host a kenos for women at which they will learn about the councils nationwide and how they are established and operate, and they will be given an opportunity to submit applications for positons to serve on these councils.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)