Chief Rabbi of the Old City of Jerusalem HaGaon HaRav Avigdor Nebenzahl is quoted by Kol Chai Radio stating the decision to allocate an egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel is the lesser of the evils available to the frum community.

According to the report, the rabbi was responding the fact he too was consulted on the matter and feels this was the best available option. There is also growing criticism against religious parties in Knesset that permitted the decision to pass in the cabinet due to their passive position.

The rav accepts the explanation given by chareidi Members of Knesset, that if they worked to prevent this from occurring, the matter would have been adjudicated in the Supreme Court and the outcome would have been worse R”L.

Rav Nebenzahl is quoted adding he is concerned that this is only the beginning and he fears what else may occur in the holy city chas v’sholom.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)