Jerusalem Councilman Aryeh King, who is a member of the dati leumi community, spoke with Mordechai Lavi of Kol Chai Radio on Wednesday, 1 Adar I. He explained that he is unwilling to accept the decision to allocate an egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel, at the area known as the Kosel Dromi (Southern).

King is organizing a Shabbos mincha at Southern Kosel Dromi. He explains his effort is in line with the ruling of gedolim, including Rav Auerbach and Rav Unterman, to daven in that area, explaining that unfortunately this has not occurred but instead, it has become a place for Reform services which he views as outrageous and unacceptable.

King stated “I am going to do what Jews stopped doing by order of the Turks 150 years ago and plan to renew tefilos there. It is not incitement but if they wish to view it as this, so be it”

Kol Chai

With all due respect, the decision was approved by the Chief Rabbis as Deri met with Rav Yosef before the cabinet decision.

King

This is exactly what I am saying. Deri came and told the Chief Rabbi what he wanted and painted the picture he wanted Rabbi Yosef to have and therefore, the Chief Rabbi agreed. Another example would be regarding the draft law. I am telling you the chareidi politicians may have remained passive regarding the prayer area but the chareidi masses are far from accepting it

The Jerusalem Chief Rabbis do not accept this either, including Rabbi Shlomo Amar, with whom I have spoken.

I also spoke with Rabbi Nebenzahl, rav of the Old City, who six months ago opposed any such plan yet today, he is okay with it. Once again, persons come and continue badgering him until he is persuaded, influenced by politicians.

I might be compelled by the High Court, which is against my conscience, but I will not accept this on my own free will as the chareidi politicians are doing.

Following King was the Rav of the Kosel & Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

Rabbi Rabinowitz (synopsis):

The rav explained for the past years he has remained firm on the front lines of the battle and that 16 years ago the High Court already ruled in favor of the Women of the Wall (WoW). In an expanded hearing that followed, with 11 justices, the court wanted to divide the area to provide a place to daven in all areas.

B’dieved, with a pained heart, following consultations with gedolei yisrael, we offered Robinson’s Arch but the court and WoW wanted something at the Kosel, not nearby.

A great deal has been going on in recent years, albeit behind the scenes. People do not understand just how much was done towards preventing this but it is the best available solution today.

Kol Chai then contacted Rabbi Amar to verify King’s claim that he is adamantly opposed to the chareidi backing and the government decision to formally allocated an egalitarian prayer area.

Rabbi Amar (excerpts):

I shouted and made my opposition known but then Rabbi Rabinowitz and others phoned me and explained the situation to me. They quoted words of gedolei yisrael.

There is an issue that does not permit me to rest, that the Government of Israel, for the first time in history, has given official recognition to these “reshoim” (Wicked) people.

Kol Chai

But the High Court will compel it is any event

Rabbi Amar

This we do not know for sure but even if this is the case, better the court than the government doing it. Making it worse the agreement says the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has no say regarding what goes on at the new prayer site.

There were even MKs who are not Shomer Shabbos who voted against it for they were too pained.

Rav Amar also cited he is willing to sit and meet with Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef to discuss the matter with him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)