Storm over integration of women: different responses to Bloi

THe strong statements of renowned educator Rabbi Mordechai Bloi, first published in Behadrey Haredim, that "every woman who comes near a party not under the leadership of Gedolei Yisroel - will be divorced without a ketubah and one should not learn in her educational institutions, nor purchase any product from her, and it's a mitzvah to remove out all her descendants from institutions, and the same is true of any haredi man who will join a secular party," is creating a major storm.

Deputy Mayor of Elad, Zuriel Krispell, responds to Behadrey Haredim: "The haredi public who goes by "veasita kechol asher yorucha" will continue to run in the elections and the selection of its representatives approved by Gedolei Yisroel and by tradition. Jewish tradition maintains the dignity of the woman and does not place her at the forefront, including the political front. Who is a better guide for us than our patriarch Yaakov, who when confronting his brother Esav was careful to place, in the delegation who went before him, Rachel and Leah and their children last".

Krispell also mentions that "a handful of these women tried their luck in the elections in Elad when the haredi community spoke and entirely removed itself from their election."

In contrast, the chairman of Am Shalem, Rabbi Haim Amsalem, claims that he "will work in any way to prevent discrimination against haredi women, and we will fight against racism against sectors in general and women in particular. It is time that haredi women will be represented in haredi parties, and where this is conflict with their ideology – we still can not prevent them from running in other lists and certainly not ban and ridicule them. I will do everything to promote haredi women to the Knesset in order for them to have proper representation in the Israeli parliament.

"I am confident that the leaders of the haredi community disagree with these stupid statements and it does not represent the views of the majority of the Haredi community."

Yaakov Wieder, haredi headquarters Likud chairman and a member of the Presidium of the Likud, said in response: "Once again, as on every eve of elections, we are exposed to a bullying and impassioned discourse against anyone who poses a threat to the rule of hacks. The Election Law stipulates a penalty of five years in prison for those who threaten a man or woman voter, and we will continue to act in all legal means at our disposal for the haredi community and for the Likud."

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!