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From the Legal Trenches

From the Legal Trenches

1. Freedom of Marriage: In the last newsletter we reported on Hiddush’s legal breakthrough, which brought Israel closer than ever before to realizing freedom of marriage.


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In Hiddush's Freedom of Marriage World Map, Israel receives

In Hiddush's Freedom of Marriage World Map, Israel receives "0" for religious monopoly and severe restrictions on marriage.

45 countries, including Israel, received a grade of "0" due to severe restrictions on freedom of marriage. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev: We cannot miss this historic opportunity for freedom of marriage in Israel.

82% of Yesh Atid voters want immediate ultra-Orthodox draft

82% of Yesh Atid voters want immediate ultra-Orthodox draft

61% of the general public is in favor of an immediate draft of yeshiva students. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: "The public's message is clear. Equality in sharing the burden must begin immediately."

Why did MK Moshe Gafni single out Hiddush in the Knesset?

Why did MK Moshe Gafni single out Hiddush in the Knesset?

MK Moshe Gafni (UTJ) is right about one thing: Hiddush works tirelessly to provide up-to-date facts and figures to policymakers on religion/state issues to advance the freedoms that were promised to Israelis in the Declaration of Independence.

Hiddush calls on government coalition to cease funding of ultra-Orthodox organizations that deny the legitimacy of the State of Israel

Hiddush calls on government coalition to cease funding of ultra-Orthodox organizations that deny the legitimacy of the State of Israel

The request comes in light of the fiery attack by Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech Halberstam, leader of the Tzanz Chasidic dynasty on the State of Israel and its national symbols. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: these outbursts continue to reveal the prevalence and deep-seated rejection of the legitimacy of the State of Israel amongst ultra-Orthodox rabbis and community leaders.

Hiddush offers a Passover supplement for your seder

Hiddush offers a Passover supplement for your seder

Hiddush is pleased to provide our supporters an additonal reading on the Festival of Freedom.

Hiddush releases proposal for implementing Civil Society in the State of Israel

Hiddush releases proposal for implementing Civil Society in the State of Israel

Hiddush released an detailed plan for implementing a civil society in the State of Israel for members of the new Knesset. The proposal is based around an additional basic law to implement religious freedom and conscience in Israel.

Hiddush appeal brings prosecution against rabbinic courts who threaten excommunication

Hiddush appeal brings prosecution against rabbinic courts who threaten excommunication

In response to an appeal filed by Hiddush- Freedom of Religion for Israel, Yehuda Weinstein, Israel's Attorney General directed the Ministry of Religious Services to take legal action against private rabbinic authorities that attempt to excommunicate individuals who file cases in State civil courts.

Hiddush Reports: Appx. NIS 1 Billion Added to Religious Institutions from Annual Budget

Hiddush Reports: Appx. NIS 1 Billion Added to Religious Institutions from Annual Budget

Hiddush- Freedom of Religion for Israel completed a comprehensive investigation focusing on internal changes to the national budget through the Knesset's Finance Committee. The report found that a significant amount of funds were added onto the budget without any external supervision.

70% of Undecided Voters: Voting on Religion and State

70% of Undecided Voters: Voting on Religion and State

Pre-election polling shows that 67% of the Jewish public in Israel believes that issues of religion and state will greatly influence their vote, including 69% of secular votes and 91% of ultra-Orthodox voters. President of Hiddush Rabbi Uri Regev comments, "Ignoring the issues of religion and state on the campaign trail only lowers the quality of the discourse and it goes against the interests of the parties."

Hiddush Original: Don’t Push me to the Back of the Bus!

Hiddush Original: Don’t Push me to the Back of the Bus!

Marking International Human Rights Day on December 10th, Hiddush released a short film in protest, featuring Israeli Artists celebrities called “Don’t push me to the back of the bus!”

The Joke of Israel’s Civil Partnership Law

The Joke of Israel’s Civil Partnership Law

Fewer than 1.5 couples register with the Civil Partnership registrar each month according to statistics the Ministry of Justice released to Hiddush. Hiddush President Rabbi Uri Regev: “The time has come for Yisrael Beiteinu to realize its mistake and demand the passage of a real Civil Marriage law.”

Hiddush VP testifies: No partner in ultra-Orthodox leadership

Hiddush VP testifies: No partner in ultra-Orthodox leadership

Hiddush Vice President Shahar Ilan testified last week before the Plesner Committee on Equal Sharing of Civic Burdens. “Anyone who thinks there is a respected ultra-Orthodox authority who is ready to encourage yeshiva students to serve should suggest him. Even Rav Shteinman, presented as a moderate, leads the fight against compulsory service."

Ultra-Orthodox children's paper excludes Israeli flag

Ultra-Orthodox children's paper excludes Israeli flag

An ultra-Orthodox paper in Israel, written in Hebrew, features a story on the history of flags from across the globe. But where is the Israeli flag, where all of these children live?

Hiddush's Tent of the Stuck: Waiting for the bus on Shabbat

Hiddush's Tent of the Stuck: Waiting for the bus on Shabbat

Hiddush and the youth forum "Bamah" joined together this past week to stage a protest in favor on public transportation on Saturday. The current lack of access impacts the most vulnerable of society: the disabled, the elderly, and those who cannot afford the alternatives.

83% of Jewish Israelis want change in housing subsidies

83% of Jewish Israelis want change in housing subsidies

83% of Jewish Israelis believe housing subsidies should follow the recommendations of the Trajtenberg Committee, as opposed to current policies which overwhelmingly favor the ultra-Orthodox population.

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