The chareidi parties have not kept their word for they have yet to send a document to the Chief Rabbis of Israel clearly stating their position regarding the Kosel and regulations for the future. Minister of Agriculture (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel however has sent a letter to both Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita and Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita, clearly stating his vision of the Kosel for the future.

The letter comes after Ariel met with the Chief Rabbis and the heads of chareidi parties, as well as consulting with his rabbonim.

He writes “The government must abolish the decision regarding the egalitarian prayer area at the Kosel for the decision has no authority and it is illegal, especially since the [cabinet] decision was reached without consulting with the Chief Rabbis of Israel”.

Ariel also wants the Rav of the Kosel and Holy Sites Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz to be the final authority on Kosel matters, and he will be responsible for enforcing regulations in the Kosel area including the Kosel Dromi, also known as Robinson’s Arch.

Ariel adds “Davening without a mechitzah between men and women at the Kosel will be prohibited as has been the tradition throughout the generations among all Kehillos Yisrael that adhere to Torah and Mitzvos. This will be enforced by the Kosel Rav”.

He concludes “As I voted at the time, against the Kosel plan, I will work to implement the demands of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Minister of Religious Services in all possible ways”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)