Bennett: a special square for the Women of the Wall • angry: It's insulting

Minister Naftali Bennett, who serves as Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Jerusalem, announced the opening of a new prayer plaza for Women of the Wall, as part of a compromise in the struggle taking place between them and the Orthodox every Rosh Chodesh at the Western Wall.

The new expansion, called Ezrat Yisrael, is located in the Robinson Arch, and will be mixed for men and women.

Bennett tried in recent months to resolve the dispute between the Women of the Wall, requiring change in the arrangements at the Western Wall and Orthodox fighting to maintain local customs as in a synagogue.

Following the provocations of the Women of the Wall every Rosh Chodesh and violent clashes that have evolved in the square by the ultra-Orthodox protesting the conduct - Bennett initiated a special wide square, south of the Mughrabi Gate - that would prevent provocations from the Women of the Wall.

According to the proposed arrangement, the women's and men's section will continue to be managed - by the 'Western Wall Heritage Foundation and will receive official recognition as a prayer area by law only.

New plaza, located south of the Mughrabi Gate, is the size of about 450 square meters and can accommodate 450 worshipers. Extension is intended only for prayer and prohibited its use for events such as weddings and circumcisions.

On Erev Rosh Hashana we decided to bring an end to disputes remnant of our Temple," said Minister Bennett. "I am not prepared for infighting of the Jewish people before the New Year. We must channel our energy for prayer, forgiveness and unity, along with maintaining the status quo at the Wailing Wall.

Anat Hoffman, Chairwoman of the 'Women of the Wall', has expressed strong opposition to Bennett's compromise solutions. She spoke on Army Radio: "We must not let bullies decide on a policy. I am willing to talk with the minister Bennett at this moment and offer excellent suggestions that will not cause anyone hurt feelings. I highly respect the feelings of others, but I will not let them throw me an alternative offer that is lower, and there is importance of it."

At a press conference held by 'Women of the Wall' they defined Bennett's settlement offer as "insulting."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!