Updates from channel Democracy & Rights on Hiddush website

Is the Orthodox Halacha in the USA different than it is in Israel?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 09:03:00 GMT

The Halacha is the Halacha is the Halacha!

From the Legal Trenches

Tue, 23 May 2023 09:13:00 GMT

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.

What Does the Public Really Think About Religion and State in Israel?

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:31:00 GMT

Since its establishment in 2009, Hiddush has published a unique annual report called the "Religion and State Index", which is based on a comprehensive survey and a large representative sample of the adult Jewish public in Israel. Its findings, which are published every year just before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year [you can find the 2022 index report here], have been demonstrating for years that the politicians' cynical statements about the public's support for the "status quo" on matters of religion and state (and especially the false declarations by the speakers of the current coalition that the results of the last elections prove the public's preference for a traditional and religious country ) are completely baseless. A large and consistent majority expresses support for the principle of freedom of religion and conscience guaranteed in the Declaration of Independence and its opposition to every element of religious coercion and excess privileges granted to the ultra-Orthodox sector.

Between Freedom and Independence

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:30:00 GMT

We have just concluded the celebration of Passover, the Festival of Freedom, and next week we will celebrate Israeli Independence Day. Both holidays have an added special meaning this year. The festival of freedom reminds us that freedom is not granted without a struggle, and Independence Day heightens our awareness that independence gained by blood 75 years ago is likewise not to be taken for granted nor guaranteed forever.

“Who is a Jew” is Back!

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 22:10:00 GMT

In recent days, there have been reports in the media from the coalition negotiation rooms that the Likud has accepted the demand of the ultra-Orthodox parties to change the law in a way that will prevent those who converted in Israel outside the Chief Rabbinate from receiving recognition as Jews, even at the civil level. This is not only a change to a long-standing ruling recognizing Reform and Conservative conversions in Israel, but also a step that is directed against Modern Orthodox conversions from the past few years, which are aimed at facilitating conversions of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

North American lawyers address the new government

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 23:00:00 GMT

On November 30, JPLAN, a network of Jewish lawyers, judges and legal scholars from North America (the Jewish Pluralism Legal Action Network, which works to strengthen Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state in a manner that fully expresses freedom of religion and equality as promised in Israel’s Declaration of Independence) addressed the leaders of the parties currently working to form the new government.

From the Legal Trenches

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:38:00 GMT

The fight to advance freedom of marriage was crowned with yet another victory last week. A Supreme Court Justice, Prof. Dafna Barak-Erez, rejected the state's request to postpone implementation of the ruling by the administrative court in Jerusalem on "Utah marriages" (civil marriages of Israelis performed in Utah, USA, by video).

Court Rules: Israeli Couples Married via "Utah Marriage" to be registered

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 07:41:00 GMT

The Administrative Court in Jerusalem ruled in favor of a petition filed by the NGO Hiddush - for Religious Freedom and Equality, directing the Population Authority and the Ministry of the Interior to register as married any couple that gets married via "Utah marriage” (A marriage platform created by Utah County, Utah, USA. Marriages are conducted via video conferencing with a marriage officiant in Utah and which can take place even if both spouses are in Israel or elsewhere in the world).

Religious Discrimination in Allocation of Municipal Funds

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:18:00 GMT

Over the past 5 years the Jerusalem municipality has allocated NIS 100 million to religious institutions - and not even one shekel of this sum was allocated for Christian and Muslim communities or liberal strands of Judaism.

Israel’s Supreme Court Under Threat

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:15:00 GMT

The future of Israel’s Judiciary, its independence and authority, and the rule of law have been threatened for some time, and are especially challenged at the present time, as Israel prepares for its fifth round of elections in the last three years.

Where Does the Israeli Public Stand?

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 22:26:00 GMT

Where does the Jewish Israeli public stand on the controversial issues of religion and state? We will soon publish Hiddush’s annual Religion and State Index, which provides a comprehensive overview of the many topics included in this broad category. But in the meantime, we conducted a survey more limited in scope, on two key questions that are on the public and political agenda.

In the Legal Trenches

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:23:00 GMT

As the conclusion of the court’s summer recess approaches, we are preparing to renew litigation next month.

The Elephant politicians aren't talking about

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 21:20:00 GMT

It has now become increasingly apparent that that whoever is going to serve as Israel's next prime minister aspires to include the Haredi parties in his Coalition.

Utah Weddings - Potential Breakthrough

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:52:00 GMT

In a precedent-setting decision, the Lod District Court ruled earlier this month that civil marriages performed via Zoom under foreign auspices for couples in Israel will be inscribed in Israel’s Population Registry.

"The Court Against the Torah!" – Really?!

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:18:00 GMT

The Lod Administrative Court released a ruling this week that has far-reaching consequences for issues of religion and state, and which opens a significant window of opportunity for freedom of marriage for Israelis.

The Women of the Wall want to destroy the Holy of Holies?! Really?!

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:07:00 GMT

Likud MK Miri Regev's campaign clip illustrates the willingness to embrace ultra-Orthodox doctrines which conflict with the foundations of Western democracy, and which are contrary to the will of the majority of the public who seek to advance freedom of religion and conscience in Israel.

Court orders the State of Israel to register Utah online marriages

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:43:00 GMT

Hiddush - For Religious Freedom and Equality, responds to ruling by Administrative Court ordering the State of Israel to register Utah online marriages

Just when you thought they can't sink lower...

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 17:04:00 GMT

The son of MK Pindrus, secretary general of the Degel HaTorah party, who is one of those leading attacks in the vilest language on the Bennett / Lapid government, on Reform and Conservative Judaism and on the Supreme Court, led a shocking display of behavior today at the "Ezrat Yisrael" plaza next to the Western Wall, intended for egalitarian prayers of the liberal Jewish denominations.

On the Legal Front

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:27:00 GMT

the battle goes on. It is not just the Women of the Wall or the Pride Parade that are at stake. It’s the soul of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, and that is why safeguarding the independence and the authority of the Supreme Court is so important in Israel, even if we do not always agree with its rulings.

When Will Israeli Haredi Men Participate in the Workforce?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 18:36:00 GMT

This week, the Committee for Special National Infrastructure Initiatives and Jewish Religious Services, chaired by MK Yulia Malinowsky (Yisrael Beitenu) met to discuss the integration of the ultra-Orthodox population in the Israeli workplace.

Hiddush in the US International Religious Freedom Report

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 15:13:00 GMT

Hiddush appears prominently in the International Religious Freedom Report for Israel, West Bank, and Gaza which was released on June 3rd by the United States Department of State.

Hiddush supports Initiative to cut support for school networks

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:08:00 GMT

You cannot have your cake and eat it, too: to claim on the one hand that the ultra-Orthodox educational networks are fulfilling their commitment to teach 100% of the core studies, and on the other hand to refuse participation in external objective examinations.

On the Legal Front

Thu, 12 May 2022 19:30:00 GMT

Recently we received a reminder of how important it is to not merely be able to petition the court in order to correct wrongs, but also to monitor implementation of court rulings and of the actual change in policy. That takes time, perseverance, and patience - a requisite for legal advocacy which by its nature is ongoing and can stretch out over a long period of time.

The Weekly Scandal: “Blow up the Supreme Court”

Tue, 10 May 2022 19:00:00 GMT

There is hardly a week that goes by without a scandal or a struggle over religion and state. The weekly scandal, which accompanied last week's Independence Day celebration, is the video clip in which MK Yitzhak Pindrus, chair of the UTJ (United Torah Judaism, the Ashkenazi ultra-Orthodox faction in the Knesset) is seen expressing his desire to blow up the Supreme Court: “You know what my dream is? To bring a D9 [bulldozer] and blow up the building.”

What has not changed in the last year from previous years?

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:57:00 GMT

How much has changed (or not changed) since last year in the arena of religion & state in Israel?

Is American Orthodoxy not Orthodox?

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 11:31:00 GMT

We hold that both non-Jewish and non-observant Jewish soldiers have rights that must be respected and that this does not detract from the kashrut status of food provided by the IDF to all soldiers.

Agunot – A Sharp Indictment of Israel’s Rabbinic Courts

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:46:00 GMT

“This should have been the mission of the halakhic decisors: to make sure no woman finds herself for even one day or one night without a divorce!”

The conscription bluff

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 13:18:00 GMT

I did not come up with the title to this article. This was the title given by a well-known ultra-Orthodox commentator to an article he published this month in the ultra-Orthodox newspaper Yated Ne'eman.

54% Israelis: IDF soldiers have right to eat chametz

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:31:00 GMT

In light of the public and political battle that accompanies the petition Hiddush submitted (on behalf of itself, the Secular Forum, and a group of parents of IDF soldiers) to reduce the sweeping ban against leavened foods during Passover on IDF bases, Hiddush decided to survey the positions of Israel’s adult Jewish public on this matter.

What will the monthly clash over the Kotel be like tomorrow?

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 20:41:00 GMT

The executives of the American Reform and Conservative movements, Rabbis Rick Jacobs and Jacob Blumenthal, arrived in Israel for the JAFI board meetings; and they have scheduled multiple meetings with Israeli political leaders from Prime Minister Bennett down.

Why do they do it? Because they can!

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:33:00 GMT

This week, the Supreme Court issued a ‘show cause’ order against the IDF in a petition Hiddush submitted regarding non-observant and non-Jewish soldiers being allowed to possess chametz in their own private domain (or in pre-designated spaces) and consume it during Passover.

Civil Marriage – are we getting closer?

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:02:00 GMT

In Israel, there has been increased attention on marriage rights in general and civil marriage in particular. A significant part of Hiddush’s work is focused on these very issues. This month alone, two Knesset committees have held hearings on the matter.

Depicting Israel's leadership as antisemitic villains

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 22:39:00 GMT

The Haredi politicians and media are still focused on posturing as innocent victims that are picked upon by antisemitic Jewish politicians like Avigdor Liberman, crooks like PM Naftali Bennett, and heretics bent on destroying Judaism like the Reform Movement, which masterminds many recent moves aimed at bullying “Torah-true” Jews.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any lower…

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:22:00 GMT

Since Hiddush last newsletter, Israel was exposed to two new records in rudeness and hatefulness of expressions by Knesset members’, one from the Chairman of the Agudat Israel faction, Former Minister MK Rabbi Yaakov Litzman, and his colleague MK Rabbi Moshe Abutbul of Shas. The other was on the part of former Minister MK David Amsalem [Likud]. Litzman's statement from the Knesset podium was an expression of the growing frustration of the ultra-Orthodox leadership with the Government's policies and the presence and influence of MK Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.

Haredi leaders employing extortion by threats

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:54:00 GMT

On Tuesday, Hiddush filed a complaint against senior rabbis in ultra-Orthodox Judaism following their declaration that city rabbis who dare to act in accordance with the law after the adoption of a kashrut reform in the Knesset and certify food as kosher outside their city limits will have their kashrut certification banned everywhere, including in their own cities, and they will be considered as " having departed from the congregation of God and transgressing against the will of God." The declaration is signed by Rabbi Shalom Cohen, the spiritual leader of the Shas movement and Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, the leaders of the ultra-Orthodox-Lithuanian community.

IDF forcing soldiers to keep kosher for Passover

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 21:45:00 GMT

Next week, Hiddush will submit a petition to the Supreme Court against the IDF, demanding that it change its regulations regarding its policy on chametz on Passover in army bases.

Assault religious freedom, assault democracy

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 22:45:00 GMT

Half of Israel was up in arms earlier this week, when a tape from a political meeting held by Likud MK Dudi Amsalem leaked to the media. When you read the following selection of his outbursts, you will understand why the media and public reaction was so harsh.

Extremism and outright deceit

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 19:44:00 GMT

A picture is worth a thousand words. This photo, which was posted by the Women of the Wall, show the Chairwoman of WOW Anat Hoffman and its former director Lesley Sachs sitting on the ground and protecting the Torah scroll, which they intended on bringing into the women’s section of the Kotel so that their fellow worshippers could read from the Torah during this Rosh Chodesh service, which they have been holding, without fail, for over thirty years.

The Haredi vitriol: An ongoing saga

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 20:32:00 GMT

In the last newsletter, we wrote about “the obsession that characterizes the attitude of the ultra-Orthodox parties towards the non-Orthodox denominations in particular, and to freedom of religion and Jewish pluralism in general.”

“Reform” as a generic invective

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:45:00 GMT

On the eve of Sukkot, the cover of the Shas party’s newspaper “HaDerekh” featured an interview with the party leader, Rabbi Aryeh Deri as the lead article. The first item, in order and in importance, they chose to highlight was the delegitimization of the "Reformers" (i.e. Reform Jews).

Hiddush fighting for female appointees on religious councils

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:25:00 GMT

For many years, Hiddush has led the legal battle for women’s representation on Israel’s Religious Councils. Yesterday, we appeared before the Supreme Court in a hearing regarding the petition we filed on our behalf and on behalf of Israel’s leading women's organizations [Israel Women's Network, Naamat, Rackman Center for the Advancement of Women, and Itach - Women Lawyers for Social Justice], challenging the State’s non-compliance with the obligation to appoint women for the role of “Appointees”.

Hiddush battling for civil burial in Court

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:58:00 GMT

Today in court there was good news and bad news. On the one hand, the Justices of the Supreme Court that heard the petition praised Hiddush’s initiative, which prompted the Ministry of Religious Services to speed up its handling of the issue. On the other hand, the court considered the petition too broad and encouraged Hiddush to file separate and concrete petitions in relation to localities.

Will Jewish leadership continue looking the other way?

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:02:00 GMT

The world media, from Washington DC to Burkina Faso, French Guinea and the Arab world covered the phenomenon of the most prominent athlete in Israel today, who won a gold medal for the State of Israel and sweeping praise from the heads of state; but is not allowed by his country to marry his girlfriend because it placed the control of marriage in Israel in the hands of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate.

Contrary to Orthodox politicians - Public for marriage freedom

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 20:02:00 GMT

Last week, on the Jewish calendar, we marked Tu b’Av (the 15th day of the month of Av), which can be likened to Valentine’s Day in the USA. Hiddush commissioned a special survey on marriage freedom in commemoration of the holiday, which was well covered in the Hebrew and English media.

Initiatives of the new government: “antisemitism”

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:53:00 GMT

The main issue on the agenda this week was a series of reforms of the kashrut system. The Minister of Religious Services, Matan Kahana, is trying to promote them, intending to increase competition in the provision of kosher supervision services, while preserving the Orthodox monopoly over kashrut certification.

The Ultra-Orthodox Reform Paranoia

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:54:00 GMT

In recent months, the phenomenon of ultra-Orthodox attacks against Reform Judaism has escalated, especially due to the participation of Rabbi Gilad Kariv (the foremost Israeli Reform leader) in the new ruling coalition.

Landmark Supreme Court Religion-State Rulings

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:55:00 GMT

This week, the Supreme Court handed down two landmark rulings on cases in the arena of religion and state, which have been pending for years. Once announced, they generated the expected outpouring of reactions.

Hiddush in the legal trenches

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 21:34:00 GMT

Hiddush has initiated legal action in two instances of abuse by Haredi outreach operations infringing upon the rights and lives of residents of neighboring buildings.

MK Rabbi Kariv and Reform Judaism – like pigs

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:30:00 GMT

The political discourse has descended to new lows this week. United Torah Judaism MK Meir Porush likened Reform Jews and Labor MK Gilad Kariv, a Reform rabbi, to pigs. He spoke in reaction to the appointment of Kariv as chairman of the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.

Chief Rabbi Yosef: Science, math are nonsense

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 10:04:00 GMT

Every week we receive reminders that the Chief Rabbinate's institution poses a danger to the State of Israel. This time it is the Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, the son of the late Chief Rabbi and Shas leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Religion, State, and the New Government

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 22:39:00 GMT

Writing about this subject raises the known question as to what we should be looking at: the half-full cup, or the half-empty cup?

Joint statement protesting desecration of siddurim at the Kotel

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 20:58:00 GMT

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox extremists harassed Women of the Wall worshipers at their monthly service at the Western Wall on Friday, June 11, 2021. Following this hateful incident, JPLAN (the Jewish Pluralism Legal Action Network), and RUACH HIDDUSH (Rabbis and Cantors for Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel) called for charges to be brought against those responsible.

What else is important RE: the Meron tragedy investigation?

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:46:00 GMT

The political and rabbinical ultra-Orthodox leadership are still preventing the appointment of a state investigation commission. Their objections are anchored, to a great degree, in an offhand rejection of the legitimacy of the civil judicial system in general and of the Supreme Justices in particular, as we have repeatedly outlined here.

59% of Israeli public opposes ultra-Orthodox parties in coalition

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:59:00 GMT

Against the background of the “change government” that is taking shape and news regarding Bennet and Lapid hoping to add the ultra-Orthodox to their coalition, the question as to whether the ultra-Orthodox parties should be included in the coalition arises again.

73% support State recognition of same-sex couplehood

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:29:00 GMT

3 out of 4 Israelis support same-sex couples receiving all the rights other couples get; 73% of the adult Jewish public in Israel support recognition of same-sex marriage (54%) or civil unions for same-sex couples (19%).

Hiddush in the legal trenches

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:08:00 GMT

Last week, Hiddush filed a petition in the Supreme Court on behalf of itself; the Israel Women’s Network; NA’AMAT; the Rackman Center; and Women Lawyers for Social Justice to ensure adequate gender representation for women on Religious Councils and senior oversight appointments.

Only 40% support leaving conversion under Chief Rabbinate

Tue, 18 May 2021 18:35:00 GMT

In honor of the Jewish festival of Shavuot, Hiddush - for Freedom of Religion and Equality commissioned a public opinion survey to examine the attitudes of Israel’s adult Jewish public on the matter of conversion.

Beware of fighting words!

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 22:48:00 GMT

A group of Christian leading clergy recently published a proclamation, calling upon the leaders of the Democratic Party to “be careful about appointing Jewish politicians to the Biden Administration, for they have nationalistic Jewish loyalty and affinity for the State of Israel.”

Israel Independence Day according to Haredi media

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 22:10:00 GMT

Two front page pictures, that of the front page of Yaded Ne’eman and of Yediot Aharonot, on Israel’s Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers, which is also the eve of Yom Ha’atzmaut, tell the whole story. A government that prides itself as being Zionistic, relies on ultra-Orthodox politicians that are cynical and anti-Zionistic, aiming to extort State funds, enforce religious coercion and undermine Zionism.

So, who owns Judaism?

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:36:00 GMT

MK Israel Eichler [United Torah Judaism] had this to say yesterday about the new Labor MK, Rabbi Gilad Kariv when the new MKs were sworn in and the new Knesset launched its anticipated stormy, possibly short lived, term. Kariv was, until recently, the Executive Director of the Israeli Reform Movement, and Eichler’s vitriol is not directed against him personally, but rather against all Judaism’s liberal streams:

The elections and the Jewish-Arab and secular-Haredi tensions

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:28:00 GMT

A survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute several days after the election revealed the depth of dissatisfaction of the majority of the Israeli public with the election results. Two-thirds of the public is dissatisfied with the results [including the majority of Jewish voters for the right, left and center parties] and 80% believe that Israel is facing its fifth round of elections in the coming year.

The Court conversion ruling and the elections

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 02:40:00 GMT

Non-Orthodox conversion and the Supreme Court are playing a key role in these elections, especially in the election propaganda of the ultra-Orthodox parties.

Hiddush files petition against Minister Aryeh Deri

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 03:07:00 GMT

An administrative petition was filed at the Jerusalem District Court this week against the Interior Minister, the Population Authority, and the Attorney General, who refuse to register some 150 Israeli couples who have been legally married via web conferencing in Utah County, Utah, USA. The petition was filed by Hiddush – For Religious Freedom & Equality, 9 of the couples married online via Utah County, and 2 Utah rabbis, Samuel Spector and Dr. David Levinsky.

What they said about the landmark Court ruling

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 23:06:00 GMT

The Supreme Court was kind to Israel in issuing its ruling this week on the matter of the eligibility under the Law of Return for Reform and Conservative Conversions performed in Israel. Opponents of recognizing non-Orthodox converts rushed to condemn the Court and criticize it for not waiting another few weeks or months, after having waited 15 years, until after the next Knesset elections. However, the truth is that the ruling is of great importance in helping the public decide whom to vote for and what direction it wants the State of Israel to grow. It wasn’t the the verdict itself, which is important, but rather the violent [verbal] reactions , not yet physical] that erupted from the very moment it was published and the political demarcations that divide the responding camps.

The friend of my enemy is my enemy

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 16:04:00 GMT

Most people are familiar with the expression “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” – it dates back to the 4th century BCE, and one compelling example of its relevance is the case of the USSR partnering with the Western European nations and United States to defeat the Nazis. A more recent compelling example is the increasing closeness of the Gulf States to Israel, as Iran, a common enemy, threatens them both.

A glimpse through the eyes of the English media

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 23:42:00 GMT

There is not a day that the media in Israel does not deal with the meeting points Between the ultra-Orthodox and the secular, as well as between religion and politics in the context of the pandemic.

What's at the heart of the current election campaign?

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:06:00 GMT

All the relevant political players understand that issues of religion and state are at the heart of the election battle and will be key elements in the negotiations that will be undertaken following the elections.

Legal fronts against religious discrimination

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 22:46:00 GMT

Hiddush has been active on several legal fronts against religious discrimination in the IDF, including the battle against exempting yeshivas students from conscription along with the rest of their Israeli peers.

Legal Groups Protest Israel's Interior Minister

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 21:44:00 GMT

J-PLAN, the Jewish Pluralism Legal Action Network, a network of Jewish lawyers in North America, working in partnership with Hiddush – Freedom of Religion for Israel, and the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists [AAJLJ] sent a letter on January 18, 2021,to Israel’s Interior Minister, Attorney General, and other officials, to protest the Ministry of the Interior’s recent decision to suspend registration of civil marriages of Israeli citizens lawfully married under the laws of "Utah County in the State of Utah.

Update on COVID-19 and religion

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 18:00:00 GMT

There is almost no news broadcast on radio or television these days on the COVID-19 pandemic that does not mention the ultra-Orthodox issue.

This is not the democracy we aspire to

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:18:00 GMT

The thoughts of many of our readers, especially in the United States, are on yesterday's events in Washington, DC. It’s hard to believe that those events occurred, and they will make their mark on American society and politics for a long time to come.

Hiddush on the cutting edge of Marriage Freedom

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Hiddush - for Freedom of Religion and Equality has warned Minister Deri that if he does not cancel his suspension of legal marriage registrations held through video conferencing under Utah state law, Hiddush will be forced to petition the Supreme Court.

Secular Israelis prefer Arabs over Haredi Jews

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 20:45:00 GMT

Data from a new survey published in the media show that while only about half of secular Israelis (53%), were willing to live next door to ultra-Orthodox Israelis, 69% of them are willing to live next to Arabs!

Taking the battle into 2021

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 17:39:00 GMT

Your support for Hiddush’s work is especially important to enable us to maximize the exposure of the battle for freedom of religion and equality of civic burden and to emphasize their implications for the future of the state and the Jewish people.

Hiddush’s effective advocacy from an ultra-Orthodox perspective

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 15:20:00 GMT

On Dec. 13th, 2020, the following news appeared in an ultra-Orthodox news portal, describing their perspective on Hiddush’s success in overcoming decades of Orthodox control over military burials in Israel, which historically excluded secular and non-Orthodox alternatives for families of fallen soldiers:

Legal advocacy – not for sprint runners!

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:54:00 GMT

In the last two weeks, there have been some important developments in Hiddush’s legal arena, and they remind us that this legal battle is not intended for short distance runners. It takes a great deal of time and perseverance.

A Four-Way Circus – the Conversion Battle

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:55:00 GMT

By Monday, the State Attorney’s Office is required to update the Supreme Court as to where the government is with regard to the “Who is a Jew?” issue in the context of a number of pending cases that have been before the Supreme Court for many years.

The Israeli government's ploy to prevent marriages through consulates

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:27:00 GMT

Hiddush would certainly welcome the opening of another narrow window to marriage in the form of removing the barrier to recognizing consular marriages. However, the real solution is, of course, for Israel to join the rest of the world’s Western democracies, which all recognize the right of their citizens to marry as they wish.

Transitions Between Religious Groups among Israeli Jews

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 12:43:00 GMT

The rate of departure from Israel’s ultra-Orthodox sector far exceeds the rates of secular and Zionist Orthodox Israelis becoming Haredi. This emerges from a new study published by the Israeli Democracy Institute, and it sheds new light on a long-standing debate regarding the phenomenon of Jews becoming ultra-Orthodox in Israel. It is also important to understand what is happening today in the ultra-Orthodox sector in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Israel-Diaspora consultation by law?

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 22:39:00 GMT

In the last few days, several noble initiatives converged and have been shared widely both with world Jewry and the Knesset. They focus on formalizing a process of consultation between Israel and world Jewish leadership on issues that directly affect the diaspora.

Should ultra-Orthodox sector determine Israel's pandemic response?

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 08:00:00 GMT

In Israel, response to COVID-19 pandemic is largely dictated by the fragile political reality and the extraordinary weight of the ultra-Orthodox political parties.

Hiddush to petition Supreme Court if yeshivas open before state schools

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:00:00 GMT

Hiddush to Corona Cabinet and the other relevant authorities: We will appeal to the Supreme Court if you make an exception for ultra-Orthodox education and permit gender discrimination.

Israeli health authorities are increasingly concerned

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 22:18:00 GMT

Israeli health authorities are increasingly concerned about the serious coronavirus outbreak among Hasidic groups, amid reports of widespread flouting of health regulations and plans for mass gatherings over the upcoming Sukkot holiday, following such prohibited gatherings over Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.

Haredi sector is leading Israel toward bankruptcy

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 20:49:00 GMT

A recent Haaretz article underscores how the disregard of significant groups in Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community on the issue of restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 marks a deadly low point on a path of self-destruction that has been underway for many years, and how Israeli society and government have allowed them to do so.

2020 Israel Religion & State Index

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:11:00 GMT

We are proud to present you with Hiddush’s twelfth annual Israel Religion & State Index. This Index is published during a turbulent time in Israel’s history, in which the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its severe impact upon the economy and society are interlaced with the strife-laden and unstable political system.

Messing with the Law of Return again

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 20:55:00 GMT

MK Smotrich's bill seeks to limit the horizons of Judaism and close the gates of conversion to the largest Jewish denominations of the Diaspora

Minister Yankelevich, what about religious freedom for Israelis?

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:53:00 GMT

Speaking about the growing efforts at restricting kosher slaughter and circumcision rites in Europe, as well as litigation initiated at the European Court of Justice in Luxemburg, brought by Orthodox leadership to challenge the legality of such restrictive legislation, Minister Yankelevich spoke last week at the Knesset.

Religion and State issues not pushed under the rug

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:58:00 GMT

It is critically important to understand that despite the sense of urgency regarding Israel’s political, security and health concerns, issues of religion and state have not been pushed under the rug. They continue to be at the forefront of political controversy and in the headlines.

Israelis turn away from marrying in the Rabbinate

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:55:00 GMT

Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) recent release shows that while the Jewish population in Israel grows, the number of couples that marry under the auspices of the Chief Rabbinate is significantly and consistently dropping!

Hiddush takes on enlistment and the IDF

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:58:00 GMT

In recent weeks, Hiddush has been dealing intensively with a number of issues related to enlistment and the army, some of which have already matured to the point of filing lawsuits, some of which are follow-ups on Hiddush’s past litigation, and in some cases we are going through the legal pre-litigatory steps that will allow us to pursue litigation in the future if necessary.

Hiddush standing up in defense of Chabad

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:37:00 GMT

Following demands by Or Yehudah municipal inspectors to local residents to remove a Chabad "Messiah Flag" from their home windows, threatening them with fines if not removed, Hiddush demanded that the municipality retract the illegal demand and ensure that similar measures be avoided in the future.

High Court override bill swatted down in Knesset - why?

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:15:00 GMT

Lawmakers overwhelmingly voted down a bill Wednesday that would have limited the High Court of Justice’s power to strike down laws, after MKs from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party abstained from voting on the opposition measure.

Hiddush fighting for pluralism in Jerusalem

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:22:00 GMT

The Jerusalem Municipality deleted the list of synagogues in the city from the municipality's website in order to avoid publicizing non-Orthodox synagogues and non-Jewish houses of worship.

What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:58:00 GMT

Banning public transportation on the Sabbath is part of an existential confrontation over the soul of the State of Israel.

The “Who is a Jew” War is Back!

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:58:00 GMT

Join us for two upcoming webinars on the “Who is a Jew” saga, which is returning to center political and legal stage.

Shas CEO cannot simultaneously be CEO of state-funded educational network

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 08:42:00 GMT

Responding to Hiddush’s demand – Israel’s Attorney General instructs Shas that the party’s CEO, Haim Biton, cannot simultaneously direct the State-funded vast educational network it founded

The Imminent Political/Legal Explosion

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 22:35:00 GMT

The ultra-Orthodox parties have pushed hard on the Prime Minister in their coalition negotiations. The amendment to the Draft Law is the only issue of religion and state relations that is spelled out in detail, not only in the agreements of the ultra-Orthodox parties with the Likud, but also in the Likud's agreement with Blue & White.

Let Marriage Freedom Ring!

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:53:00 GMT

Today, Hiddush began a new campaign to allow marriage freedom in Israel. This is a collaboration between Hiddush and the School of the Arts in Musrara, Jerusalem.

On the legal front

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 18:35:00 GMT

Hiddush's activism in the legal arena has continued in the face of the Covid-19 crisis, as Israel's new government has been settling in. There will be much to do in the face of the ultra-Orthodox party's stranglehold over Israel's religion-and-state arena!

Civil Burial in Israel – If You Will It, It Is No Dream

Thu, 21 May 2020 00:21:00 GMT

In a petition heard in the Supreme Court last week, Hiddush - For Religious Freedom and Equality demanded that the Ministry of Religious Services and the Israel Lands Authority allow an immediately available option for civil burial to the public, in agricultural localities (kibbutzim and moshavim), at least temporarily, until a full and permanent solution is provided.

A coalition that will escalate Jewish disunity

Mon, 18 May 2020 19:34:00 GMT

Netanyahu, Gantz and their partners know that this ongoing surrender to the ultra-Orthodox parties is in complete betrayal of the Israeli public’s will, including that of their own voters.

The State of Israel is but a Co-op Board

Thu, 07 May 2020 18:55:00 GMT

Reading the Ultra-Orthodox print and online media one would not have realized that Israel has just marked its most important national holiday, Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Day of Independence) and its only two official memorial days: Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron.

Religion and state under Netanyahu's new government

Thu, 07 May 2020 16:19:00 GMT

This week, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected all of the petitions against Benjamin Netanyahu's continued tenure as prime minister due to the pending criminal charges against him, as well as those against the coalition agreement between the Likud and Blue & White.

Interview with CEO of UJA Federation New York

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:12:00 GMT

An interview with Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA Federation New York [ESG], regarding the complex relationship between American Jewry / the NY Jewish Federation and Israel, the attitude toward Haredim, pluralism, the non-Orthodox streams, religion and state, marriage and ‘Who is a Jew’. Kikar Ha’Shabat representative, Rabbi Benjamin Goldschmidt, conducted the interview [RBG].

Emergency government and national unity?

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 01:04:00 GMT

On the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day, April 20, a coalition agreement “for the establishment of an emergency and national unity government” was signed between the Likud and Blue & White. We at Hiddush focus on matters of religion and state and the implications of the agreement on the challenges of freedom of religion and equality of civic burden.

Who doesn't recognize Holocaust Memorial Day?

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:20:00 GMT

It is difficult not to think about Israel’s religion and state conflict in the context of MK Mansour Abbas’s words on Holocaust Memorial Day. Unlike MK Abbas's impressive remarks, much of the ultra-Orthodox media did not address Holocaust Day, for its leaders refuse to recognize the date set by the Knesset to mark Israel’s memorial days.

What to expect of a Gantz-Netanyahu government

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:26:00 GMT

Hiddush's response to the tremendous and impactful political upheaval that is taking place in Israel right now, with Benny Gantz agreeing to join a government led by Bibi Netanyahu.

B'nei Brak residents prohibited from driving home

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:46:00 GMT

Hiddush is handling a new request we received from a group of people, including seniors and some who are partially disabled, who have been living in Bnei Brak for decades, on a street that is home for both religious and secular residents.

What’s behind the spread of Coronavirus among Haredim?

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 01:25:00 GMT

Since Israel’s Coronavirus-related restrictions were announced, even until last night, it appears that Israel’s ultra-Orthodox population is inclined to ignore the guidelines of the health and police authorities, and there have been many cases of infection reported among this population.

Israeli elections: insights and lessons

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:10:00 GMT

Hiddush is non-partisan, and it does not take a stand regarding the political clash between the left- and right-wing, and we refrain from endorsing political parties or discouraging people from voting for any particular party. Our focus is solely on the pursuit of religious freedom and equality. With that in mind, some preliminary observations are important as we assess the significance and causes of the election outcome.

Excluding non-Orthodox and non-Jewish from municipality website is illegal!

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 10:40:00 GMT

Hiddush – For Religious Freedom and Equality submitted a petition to court, challenging the Jerusalem Municipality’s illegal exclusion of those synagogues that represent Reform, Conservative, egalitarian Orthodox, and other independent Jewish communities, as well as non-Jewish religious institutions (primarily Muslim and Christian) from the “Religion and Tradition” section of the municipal website, which only includes information about Orthodox synagogues and institutions.

An open letter to the Jewish Agency Board of Governors

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:29:00 GMT

Ironically, while the Israeli government expresses identification with victims of antisemitism, regardless of their religious stream, it continues to deny equality for non-Orthodox Jews in Israel.

Political parties’ commitment to religious freedom will help at polls

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 11:23:00 GMT

The formula for success in Israel’s March ’20 elections: Declare your party’s commitment to the fight for religious freedom & equality. 54% of the Israeli Jewish public responded that such a commitment by the parties running for election would increase the likelihood of their voting for those parties.

Who accounts for Yisrael Beiteinu's increased share of voters?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:21:00 GMT

For years, Hiddush has underscored the political potential of emphasizing the battle to advance religious freedom and equality in the Israeli political arena, as has been proven in practice several times in Israel’s elections history. Analysis of the implications of this issue for the recent Israeli elections is included in an article that was recently published in the Israeli daily business newspaper – the Calcalist.

Rabbi Meir Mazuz: Supreme Court Justices are beasts and mosquitoes

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 20:00:00 GMT

February 17, 2020: Channel 12 exposes the greatly esteemed Rabbi Meir Mazuz attacking the Israeli Supreme Court. This is the very same rabbi that PM Netanyahu courted for support before the Likud primaries!

January 2020 Israeli Voice Index data analysis

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 23:31:00 GMT

Earlier this week, the Israel Democracy Institute’s important monthly survey was published: the Israeli Voice Index. Looking through the full data set and analyzing it provides additional insights, including in the field of religion and state, which support the findings of Hiddush’s regular public opinion surveys.

One of every Seven Jerusalem children attend unregistered schools!

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:28:00 GMT

In violation of the law and ignoring both the Ministry of Education and the Jerusalem Municipality - more than 40,000 children in Jerusalem study in schools that operate without licenses! Hiddush and Jerusalem City Council Member Dr. Laura Wharton petitioned the Supreme Court, demanding that Israel’s law of compulsory education be enforced in the city.

2019 Israel Democracy Index published by IDI

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 23:09:00 GMT

This week, the IDI published its annual Israel Democracy Index, with highlights available online. What follows is a selection of Hiddush’s highlights from this Index, which focus on significant observations in the area of religion & state.

Chief Rabbi Yosef calls immigrants to Israel non-Jewish communists

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 20:02:00 GMT

Almost every news broadcast in recent days, whether on radio or television, has included a segment on the scandalous statements made by Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, denigrating the olim from the former Soviet Union, as well as the numerous public and political reactions to his vile, violent message.

Survey: recognition of non-Jewish family members under Law of Return

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 12:49:00 GMT

62% of Israel’s adult Jewish public does not consider religious conversion through the Chief Rabbinate as a necessary condition for recognizing the Jewishness of immigrants who are the family members of Jews but whose mothers are not Jewish.

Governor of Bank of Israel: ultra-Orthodox Israelis must enter labor market

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:20:00 GMT

A speech given by the Governor of the Bank of Israel last month reminds us of the danger to the future of the State of Israel if we do not recognize and combat evil. He estimated that the ultra-Orthodox parties’ refusal to enable the full integration of ultra-Orthodox men into the job market and include core curricular studies in their school curricula, will require raising taxes on the rest of the public by about 60%!

The number of non-Jewish family members making Aliyah

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 14:16:00 GMT

Hiddush's publication of Israel's immigration numbers of non-Jewish family members under the Law of Return, as provided by the Population and Immigration Authority [PIA] in response to our Freedom of Information demands, caused quite the media storm this week. This resulted in the Authority retracting from their own data, and changing it drastically.

2019 Statistical Report on Haredi Society in Israel

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 20:51:00 GMT

As described on the Israel Democracy Institute's website, the 2019 Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel provides both a snapshot of the ultra-Orthodox in Israel today and an analysis of trends characterizing this community in recent decades, in key areas such as demography, education, employment, and use of leisure time.

6 out of 7 Israeli immigrants not recognized as Jews

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 13:19:00 GMT

6 out of 7 immigrants to Israel in recent years - are not considered Jews according to Halacha (Jewish religious law). These data come from the Population and Immigration Authority’s response to Hiddush’s Freedom of Information Act request.

Israel is headed for its 3rd election in a year!

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:59:00 GMT

We don’t have a crystal ball, and we don’t know what the future holds in store. However, when we examine what has transpired in recent months, and in spite of the fact that the election results in September were comparable to those in April, the pictures following these two rounds were substantially different. This may point to a potential breakthrough in the third round.

Where are Israeli Jews now on Religion & State?

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:15:00 GMT

The “Status Quo” is an affront to the will of the public: 63% want a civil unity government; 71% support public transportation on the Sabbath; 69% support establishing civil marriage and divorce in Israel

Drugging yeshiva students to curb sexuality

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 16:37:00 GMT

A scandalous and, in all likelihood, criminal relationship exists between key ultra-Orthodox circles on the one hand and a number of psychiatrists on the other.

Hiddush survey for International Human Rights Day

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:09:00 GMT

The right to freedom of movement: 71% support public transportation on Saturday. The right to family: 69% support civil marriage in Israel. Most of the Jewish public in Israel supports the operation of public transportation on Saturdays and the establishment of civil marriage in Israel. This is not just politics. It’s about violations of basic human rights.

63% of Israeli public wants a civil unity government

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 10:14:00 GMT

The public’s position remains stable and very, very clear: 63% of Israel’s adult Jewish public wants a civil unity government, which will promote religious freedom and equality, and which will not be dependent upon the religious parties, nor submit to their demands on issues of religion and state.

Pushing the wheels of justice to keep on turning

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 14:08:00 GMT

As the legal scene in Israel heats up, mostly characterized by uncertainty as to what's next, and when it will finally settle down, Hiddush continues to actively pursue its legal advocacy. While encouraged by indications regarding both public opinion and commitments to religious freedom and equality voiced by some by key parties, legal advocacy remains a necessary and effective avenue to advance Hiddush's mission, even as the wheels of justice turn ever so slowly.

Hiddush demands: IDF, bring back family visitations on Saturdays!

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 13:52:00 GMT

Following dozens of information requests regarding the forbiddance of family visitations to IDF bases on Saturdays, two NGOs turned to the IDF. Hiddush – For Religious Freedom and Equality and the Secular Forum demanded that the IDF permit family visitations on Saturday, and the IDF responded: “We shall form a team to formulate a picture of the situation and provide recommendations.”

Haredi politics versus the State of Israel

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:58:00 GMT

A glimpse into the ultra-Orthodox parties' rhetoric describing the growing public criticism of religious coercion and the ultra-Orthodox insistence on exemption from the IDF draft.

Today's liberal spiritual-terrorists - just like the Tower of Babel

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:17:00 GMT

The weekly Torah portion erupts like a volcano, just at the right time, for today’s spiritual-terrorists are operating with exactly the same methods as the generation of the Tower of Babel. The builders of Babel had a clear agenda, and they tried to forcibly force the whole world to accept it and act according to it.

Will the municipal revolution become a national revolution?

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 19:07:00 GMT

This month, a historic makeover is underway in the arena of public transport on Shabbat, originating from the initiative of a number of mayors in Gush Dan, the most prominent of which is Ron Huldai, the mayor of Tel Aviv.

A fight for the soul and future of Israel like no other since 1948

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 19:09:00 GMT

The passing of Israel’s cherished former Supreme Court Chief Justice Shamgar (laid to rest this week) reminds us of the lingering threat to Israel’s Supreme Court and to its rule of law.

Hiddush on the Knesset TV channel

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 15:27:00 GMT

I'd like to share my insights from a panel I participated in today, broadcast on the Knesset TV channel. In the program, a panel of two reacts to the political events of the day. My co-panelist was an Orthodox economist who plays a leadership role in the Jewish Home party.

"The orthodox status quo in Israel cannot hold any longer"

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 19:32:00 GMT

We were gratified to read a recent op-ed in the popular conservative Canadian National Post written by Canada’s former Ambassador to Israeli Vivian Bercovici. She subsequently made Aliyah and now resides in Tel Aviv.

Impact of ‘religious freedom’ upon the Israeli elections

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 21:59:00 GMT

Avigdor Lieberman has emerged as the great victor of the elections (despite the small size of his party – 8 seats), for his party has turned out to be the determining factor in the balance of the coalition negotiation efforts.

Not antisemitism, rather: democracy defending itself

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Reading through the ultra-Orthodox parties’ official media outlets in recent days brings up yet another crucial consideration, which justifies the demand that these parties be kept out or neutralized in the next government coalition, as the majority of the public clearly wishes.

2019 Israel Religion & State Index and post-election survey

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 18:11:00 GMT

84% Adult Israeli Jews support religious freedom and equality of civic burden; 74% oppose government’s activities in religion-state; 63% want a civil coalition, which does not depend on the ultra-Orthodox parties and advances religious freedom and equality; 64% support equal status for the non-Orthodox Jewish streams and Diaspora Jewish engagement in advancing religious freedom and equality in Israel; wide support (62%-84%) for the principles of the Vision Statement on Israel as Jewish and democratic state.

Israeli Elections, Religion, State and American Jewry

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:44:00 GMT

Israel has never experienced a similar opportunity to end the decades-old fundamentalist Orthodox hold over its religious Jewish life.

Will there be a "Mahapach" [upheaval]?

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 12:49:00 GMT

Since 1977, when the Right first won the Israeli elections, and the Israeli "Mr. TV" Haim Yavin, who has led the newscast since 1968, opened the election broadcast with the words: "There's a mahapach (upheaval)!" there haven’t been many elections that had the potential of producing another “upheaval”.

68% of the Israeli public supports freedom of choice in marriage

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 14:34:00 GMT

A large majority of voters for Israel’s civil parties, including the Likud, want freedom of marriage, and given the central role that religion/state issues are playing in the current election campaign - We may be closer than ever before to forming a coalition that will finally grant Israelis this fundamental right.

Renewed Haredi assault on the Supreme Court

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:14:00 GMT

This week temporarily halted the removal-from-office procedure, which Interior Minister Deri (Leader of Shas) initiated against Mayor of Tiberias Ron Kobi. Kobi has become a symbol and lightning rod, as a crusader against religious coercion.

Hiddush in the legal trenches

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:40:00 GMT

Hiddush legal advocacy ranges from cases dealing with the abuse of religious IDF draft exemptions for young women to elderly hot dog vendors who legally operate their carts in Jerusalem on Friday night.

Israel's Religion and State conflict in the September elections

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

The unfolding election campaigning provides further validation to Hiddush's contention as to the major role that the clash of religion-&-state can potentially play if properly positioned in shaping Israel's future political trajectory. Avigdor Lieberman (whose political focus on "anti-halakha state" we've described in detail) continues to reap the gains.

Hiddush's next battle over pluralistic burial in Israel

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:07:00 GMT

Hiddush submitted a new petition aimed at further expanding religious freedom in Israel in general and pluralistic burial alternatives in particular.

60% of Israel’s adult Jewish public wants national unity government

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 17:16:00 GMT

60% of Israel’s adult Jewish public supports Avigdor Lieberman's intention to establish a broad national unity government without the ultra-Orthodox parties, including 94% of blue and white voters. 53% of Israel's adult Jewish public may decide who to vote for on the basis of the party’s commitment to promote religious freedom and equality of the burden.

Divorce denied in Israel due to prenuptial agreement

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:25:00 GMT

A terrible example of the danger to the Israeli public that stems from the monopoly of the rabbinical courts on marriage and divorce in Israel swept through the media just recently with the publication of a ruling by the Rabbinical Court in Petah Tikva in a divorce case.

Dramatic developments on Israel's political scene

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 15:48:00 GMT

Dramatic developments following the elections have validated Hiddush's pre- and post-election analysis, although it is not entirely clear yet whether the necessary lessons will be drawn by all.

74% Israeli public prefers civil government coalition

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 09:19:00 GMT

74% of the Israeli public prefers a civil government based on a partnership between Likud and the Blue-&-White party, independent of the ultra-Orthodox parties’ dictates. 68% of the Israeli public wants the party it votes for to fight for the advancement of religious freedom and equality of the civic burden.

78% support marriage or registration for same-sex couples

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:53:00 GMT

More than half of the Zionist Orthodox public (54%) supports the establishment of recognized same-sex partnerships. 73% of the general public believes that if marriage or registration for same-sex couples were to be recognized in Israel, these couples must have all or most of the rights of all other couples.

Shoresh Institution policy brief: post-election analysis

Thu, 09 May 2019 20:05:00 GMT

Last week, Prof. Ben David published a policy brief titled 'Two Wars and Demography: A Long Run View of Israel’s Recent Elections'. Its importance cannot be over-exaggerated. We can only express the hope that leaders and policymakers will take the time to study it carefully.

Perpetual surrender to anti-Zionistic, anti-democratic religious ideology

Tue, 07 May 2019 21:40:00 GMT

It is clear that a key building block in the demands of both the Haredi parties and the Union of right-wing parties is the ensuring that the non-Orthodox movements be excluded and delegitimized

Most Israelis prefer a unity gov't with Likud and Blue & White

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 22:21:00 GMT

66% of the public prefers a Likud-Blue-&-White coalition to promote freedom of religion and equality, rather than a narrow government dependent on the ultra-Orthodox.

Religious Freedom and Equality after the Elections

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:29:00 GMT

The 2019 Knesset elections are over, but not much has been written about their potential impact on matters of religion & state and Israel-Diaspora relations. Hiddush polling shows that approximately 2/3 of Israeli Jews would prefer a civil government that does not depend upon the ultra-Orthodox parties.

An increase in Haredi MKs – not in public support.

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 18:45:00 GMT

Hiddush provides context and more accurate understanding of what may appear to onlookers from the Diaspora as growing support for the ultra-Orthodox political parties due to the increase from 13 to 16.

65% Israelis want a civil government

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 08:49:00 GMT

65% of the adult Jewish public wants a civil government, which is not dependent on the ultra-Orthodox parties, and which could promote freedom of religion and equality of the civic burden.

Agunah Day: For women in Israel, marriage is captivity

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 09:43:00 GMT

Dr. Susan Weiss, Esq., Executive Director of the Center for Women's Justice, writes a powerful article for 2019 International Agunah Day. In the spirit of the Book of Esther she challenges the common sense regarding agunot – Jewish women held, like Esther, in marital captivity.

63% want a civil Coalition without Haredi parties

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:49:00 GMT

After the drama and the clarification of the political map, the public expects to hear more than rhetoric from the right and the left. The Jewish public wants the parties to promote freedom of religion and equality of the burden - not just crumbs such as providing public transportation on the Sabbath.

"Israel is losing the Jewish people"

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 14:27:00 GMT

Former Israeli MFA Deputy Director General for North America, Baruch Bina, published an article in Hebrew titled ‘Israel is losing the Jewish people’. Hiddush shares some of its key assertions and observations in English here.

52% more likely to vote for a party that commits to religious freedom

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 21:39:00 GMT

64% of undecided voters said that they are more likely to vote for a party that will commit itself to promoting freedom of religion and equality of civic burden. So too, 52% of the adult Jewish public.

2018 Israel Peace Index Supports Hiddush's consistent findings

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 20:51:00 GMT

Often, the online comments on Hiddush's survey findings validate the well-known phrase: Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up. These individuals rudely reject our data as specious, but the Israel Democracy Institute's 2018 Peace Index unsurprisingly supports Hiddush's findings and analysis.

What they do not see: Rabbinate and marriages in Israel

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 12:44:00 GMT

The Religious Services Ministry refuses to acknowledge the fact that growing circles reject the Rabbinate and prefer alternative marriages.

Money laundering and white collar crimes in the Haredi community

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 20:50:00 GMT

Both in Israel and in the USA, money laundering is a common phenomenon in the ultra-Orthodox community.

Kosher slaughter now illegal in Belgium

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 19:31:00 GMT

With the turn of 2019, kosher slaughter in the northern Flanders region of Belgium, home to half of the country’s Jewish population and a major supplier of meat for European Jewish communities, became officially illegal.

Report: Haredi employment is down; Haredi poverty is up

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 22:05:00 GMT

Data from the Israel Democracy Institute's 2018 Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel supports Hiddush's data and analysis on the growing trend of ultra-Orthodox men studying in yeshivas instead of entering the workforce, as poverty rates rise.

International Human Rights Day survey: Israelis support marriage freedom

Sun, 09 Dec 2018 07:40:00 GMT

On December 10th the world is marking International Human Rights day. Hiddush looked into one of the main violations of human rights in Israel, which ironically mostly harms Jews: The right to marry!

Shaked won: The 'Jewish' has beaten the 'democratic'

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 19:24:00 GMT

It happened just this week. With little ado, the Supreme Court overturned a 25-year ruling and told the Rabbinical Courts that they could do whatever they please because the laws of the state no longer really apply to them.

Hiddush in the service of world Jewry

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 20:48:00 GMT

Every so often, Hiddush receives requests for assistance from outside of Israel. One recent appeal is particularly interesting and important, and we will continue to report on it again as it develops.

21 MKs responding to Pittsburgh - “Time for Equality”

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 22:29:00 GMT

The MKs highlighted different aspects of the need to respond to the Pittsburgh massacre, not merely by identifying with the loss and pain of the Jewish community, not only by decrying growing anti-Semitic outbursts, but by changing Israel’s policies.

Israeli media speaks out for recognizing the streams

Wed, 07 Nov 2018 21:57:00 GMT

Anti-Semites don’t distinguish between Jews according to their denominations. That is a practice reserved for the Israeli government. Israeli media personalities and others have drawn conclusions from the massacre in Pittsburgh, which links this tragedy to Israel's religion-state policies.

Encouraging news on the modern Orthodox front

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:29:00 GMT

One recent development that has been the widely publicized is the joining of Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party by two Modern Orthodox activists – Tehilla Nachlaon Friedman and Moshe Tur-Paz

Disturbing news on the ultra-Orthodox front

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 19:11:00 GMT

Why did the leader of the Hasidic faction of the United Torah Judaism party (Deputy Minister of Health Rabbi Litzman) make two visits to the prison where one Elazar Vigdorovich is serving a four year prison term for crimes involving the Gur Chasidic dynasty?

It’s time for American Jewry to speak up and act

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:31:00 GMT

A few days ago PM Netanyahu, in NY to deliver a forceful speech at the UN and meet with world leaders, also met with a small group of top level American Jewish leaders. The little that we know about the meeting gives us reason to urge American Jewish leaders that it’s high time to change course and take a far more proactive approach in dealing with the critically important Israel-Diaspora bridge.

'Liberals in the Likud' faction favors religious freedom

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:47:00 GMT

The national radio reported today on a gathering of the "Liberals in the Likud" who were addressed by Minister Ofer Akunis (Likud). He was recorded stating the following: "The Surrogacy Law that distinguished between men and women is a disgrace... to the National [Likud] Movement

Revolutionary conversion ruling?

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:57:00 GMT

Haredi opposition threatens Israeli democracy, the rule of law, the judciary's independence, and the partnership between Israel and world Jewry

Court requires Interior Ministry to recognize a private conversion

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 11:26:00 GMT

Hiddush responds to court ruling, instructing the Israeli Interior Ministry to formally recognize the Jewish identity of a woman who underwent a private Orthodox conversion

Israel's (and New York’s) Yeshiva Students Deserve Better

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 19:29:00 GMT

One of the key areas that the 2018 Israel Religion & State Index points to is the strong resentment and objection among the Israeli Jewish population in the face of the refusal of the leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community to allow a proper and effective instruction of core curricular studies in their boys’ schools.

2018 Israel Religion & State Index

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 11:11:00 GMT

As in previous years, as Rosh HaShanah approaches, Hiddush is proud to publish its annual Israel Religion & State Index, now in its tenth year.

84% want to enshrine the principle of equality into a Constitutional Law

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 16:50:00 GMT

Contrary to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal – 84% of the public wants to anchor the principle of equality into a Constitutional Law. Also: parties that herald giving the Declaration of Independence constitutional force would receive additional public support.

First woman ever appointed as legal advisor to rabbinical courts

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 09:58:00 GMT

We at Hiddush are delighted by the appointment of Attorney Shira Ben-Eli as legal advisor to Israel's rabbinical courts.

Hiddush blocks Chief Rabbi's conflict of interest

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 10:26:00 GMT

This week, Hiddush received a statement from the Office of the Attorney General, confirming that our request had been received and that detailed instructions had been given to the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, regarding the official restrictions imposed upon him in his handling of kashrut issues due to a conflict of interest.

The Vile Bond of Religion & Politics

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 07:51:00 GMT

In a secret recording that was broadcast on Israeli television, MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni explains to the leadership of his party why they voted for the Nation-State Law and what his real opinion of the law is.

Unlike the Government - Israelis support religious freedom and equality

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 07:01:00 GMT

This week, two important events occurred, and Hiddush provided special public opinion polling and analysis on the core issues that arose:

81% support same-sex marriage or couples' registrations

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:32:00 GMT

Most of the public supports the state's recognition of same-sex marriage and their right to have children.

Record support for freedom of choice in marriage!

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 06:43:00 GMT

70% of Israel's adult Jewish population wants the State of Israel to recognize all forms of marriage, including civil marriage and Reform and Conservative weddings. Most of the public wants legal alternatives to marriage via the Rabbinate!

The Nation-state Law: The religion-state angle

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 07:34:00 GMT

The Nation-state Law has captured the headlines for quite some time now, culminating in its adoption by the Knesset yesterday. There are a number of facets to this bill, which should be highlighted as far as matters of religion-state and Israel-Diaspora relations are concerned.

Netanyahu about-faces on gay surrogacy rights

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 06:56:00 GMT

The surrogacy bill, enacted by a vote of 59 to 52, expands eligibility for state-supported surrogacy to include single women but excludes single men and gay couples. Until now the right has only been extended to married, heterosexual couples.

Hiddush represents Masorti rabbi arrested for conducting wedding

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 21:08:00 GMT

At 5:30 AM on July 19th, two policemen knocked on the Haifa apartment of Dubi Haiyun, Rabbi of the Conservative congregation in Haifa. This followed orders given to the police by the Haifa rabbinic court, which alleged that Rabbi Haiyun was in breach of criminal law regarding a wedding he conducted.

Four questions and answers about the draft law

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 10:29:00 GMT

An analysis of the much-debated haredi draft law.

Chabad's illegal outreach at Ben Gurion Airport

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 07:21:00 GMT

Chabad Lubavitch is a unique phenomenon in Jewish history and the Jewish community. Much can and should be said in their praise, but at the same time, it should be recognized that both theologically and operationally they are highly controversial.

IDF Draft controversy renews pressure to muzzle the Supreme Court

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 02:31:00 GMT

As many who follow Israel's political life know, cries of "wolf, wolf!" foretelling of the government’s imminent collapse are common. Two such crises are on the horizon now.

Hiddush criticizes the Defense Ministry's recommendations

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:11:00 GMT

These recommendations push off the recruitment of yeshiva students until the next government and turn responsibility over to the High Court of Justice. The irony is that even this will be rejected by the ultra-Orthodox parties.

The Lesson For Diaspora Jews In Israel’s Deplorable Conversion Law

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:11:00 GMT

The best that can be said about the proposed State Conversion Bill is that it is destined to be thrown away into the waste bin that Israeli politics has designated for the recommendations of committees appointed mostly to put out political fires. The proposal is not only a slap in the face, disguised with a smile, to the non-Orthodox streams, but it also angers the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) politicians.

Inching closer to the next "Who is a Jew" explosion

Thu, 24 May 2018 10:59:00 GMT

This week, additional information leaked as to the nature of Moshe Nissim's recommendations regarding a new conversion bill. As our readers may remember, Moshe Nissim was appointed by PM Netanyahu to do damage control after Diaspora Jewry’s uproar last June when the government ceded to the demands of the ultra-Orthodox parties to pass a conversion bill aimed at preempting a pluralistic Supreme Court ruling in a pending case. This bill would further entrench the Orthodox monopoly over conversions performed in Israel.

Likud Minister fed up with Haredi ultimatums

Wed, 23 May 2018 11:28:00 GMT

Our readers have come to expect Hiddush underscoring the unacceptability of ultra-Orthodox political shenanigans, extortion and coercion. However, this week, we heard comparable sentiments expressed by a leading Government Coalition member - Likud Minister Akunis.

Politicians attempt to castrate the Supreme Court

Sun, 06 May 2018 08:31:00 GMT

The Israeli public trusts the Supreme Court, not Israel's politicians, according to a survey recently commissioned by Hiddush, in light of politicians' recent attempt to castrate the High Court of Justice, in order to prevent the Court from mandating that the State of Israel enlist yeshiva students and to allow the Government Coalition to enact additional discriminatory laws according to the ultra-Orthodox parties' demands without fear of these being ruled illegal by the High Court of Justice.

Hiddush on the battlefront

Thu, 03 May 2018 20:18:00 GMT

This week we started action on behalf of a former Haredi man who is serving in the IDF and faces discrimination, as well as on behalf of a school and a PTA who have confronted a zealous religious fundamentalist who is trying to tempt their students to "experience Judaism" his way.

Justice Silberman Abella speaks out against delegitimizing Israel's Court

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:43:00 GMT

Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, the senior judge on the Supreme Court of Canada, delivered a lecture at a symposium with Justice Aharon Barak (former president of the Supreme Court of Israel) regarding the ongoing attempt among members of Israel's Coalition Government to delegitimize the reputation of the judiciary.

The conversion draft bill is a land mine!

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 08:36:00 GMT

"The minefields of Israel's religion and state arena and Israel-Diaspora relations will explode in the coming days," Rabbi Uri Regev responded to reports about the upcoming legislative initiative on conversion, based on the recommendations of former minister Moshe Nissim.

What does it mean for Israel to be a Jewish state?

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 08:59:00 GMT

Israeli Independence Day celebrations are almost upon us, and the divisions over the identity of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state are greater than ever before.

Female soldiers excluded from Israel's honor guards

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:33:00 GMT

Hiddush appealed to Defense Minister Lieberman, Chief of Staff Eizenkot and Chair of the Ministerial Committee for Ceremonies and Symbols - Culture Minister Regev, demanding that female soldiers be fully included in official state ceremonies, including the ceremonies for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day).

How is this Passover different?

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:45:00 GMT

The enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt is an important memory, but, on THIS holiday of freedom, no less important is our awareness of the ongoing battle for freedom of religion and conscience TODAY. Ironically, these are denied to people in Israel, especially to Jews!

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate is a threat to Jewish unity and democracy

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMT

Last week, Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, explained a point of ritual by likening a black child born to white parents to a “monkey.” Immediately following the publication of his racist remarks, a storm erupted. It was widely broadcast, including by JTA, Newsweek and the Palestinian media.

Chief rabbi calls black people ‘monkeys’

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 10:59:00 GMT

Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef uses pejorative term 'kushi' for African Americans in weekly sermon

Chief Rabbinate refuses to recognize Orthodox marriage

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 11:11:00 GMT

Noam Oren and his wife married in a religious ceremony, but authorities refuse to recognize it due to their insistence on protecting each other from potential divorce refusal.

60% of State funds for "youth at risk" go to ultra-Orthodox

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:05:00 GMT

Hiddush’s mission to advance religious freedom and equality includes an attempt to identify and eliminate “pork barreling” in the religion-state arena, especially when they masquerade as ‘holy.’ Hiddush is in court now to get to the bottom of the use of scarce public funds available to address the challenge of children at risk.

Masquerade Ball: Don't comply with the Haredi parties' demands

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 08:49:00 GMT

The bill presented to the Ministerial Committee on Legislation is complex and full of words, but it can be boiled down to this: any yeshiva student who does not want to enlist will not be drafted into the IDF

Hiddush Survey for International Women's Day

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:12:00 GMT

72% of the Israeli public believes that all political parties running for seats in the Knesset, including the ultra-Orthodox parties, should be required to include female candidates on their party candidates lists and allow women to become party members. 88% favor integrating women into the IDF [69% support the inclusion of women in every possible role, including in combat, and another 19% support their integration into all non-combat roles]. 12% oppose enlisting women into the army at all.

79% Israelis oppose laws to legalize draft dodging by yeshiva students

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 11:06:00 GMT

A new survey reveals how strongly the Israeli public is opposed to the demand of the ultra-Orthodox parties to pass a new 'Basic Law: Torah study', as well as an amendment to the Defense Service Law to legalize the continued draft dodging of most yeshiva students.

Nearing the point of explosion!

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:36:00 GMT

"The storm is rising," I wrote recently. Now, I can definitely say that the situation is nearing the point of explosion! Also, this time, it is clear that the religion-state clash is an integral part of the approaching explosion.

Tzohar enters the kashrut certification market

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:24:00 GMT

An important chapter in the ongoing saga of religion and state has been written in Israel this week. In a widely covered press conference, the Zionist Orthodox Tzohar rabbinic organization announced that it is launching a kosher supervising entity that will compete with the Chief Rabbinate and offer the Israeli food industry an alternative supervision more convenient than that of the state.

Most Israelis favor revoking the rabbinical courts' monopoly

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 12:14:00 GMT

69% of the Israeli public supports revoking the monopoly of the rabbinical courts on Jewish personal status matters, supports the establishment of a parallel civil system, and supports alternative, lenient rabbinic courts as a solution to alleviate the phenomenon of agunot

Another nail in the Chief Rabbinate's coffin

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:04:00 GMT

Hiddush welcomes the announcement that Tzohar rabbis will be entering the kashrut certification market with its own private certification in direct competition with the Chief Rabbinate's state empowered monopoly. This religiously coercive monopoly is unparalleled in the democratic world.

Chief Rabbinate once again seeks out Non-kosher Jews

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 13:19:00 GMT

Rabbi Uri Regev was interviewed by the Israeli Russian language news portal “Detaly” on the matter of the Chief Rabbinate’s recently uncovered initiative to enshrine in law its right to compile a list of persons whose Jewish statuses are doubtful by its standards.

The storm is rising

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 19:52:00 GMT

It seems that matters of ethics and the moral, appropriate behavior of Israel’s political leadership (in which the ancient prophets of Israel showed great interest), don't interest the Haredi parties, nor require taking a stand from the perspective of the leaders of parties that claim to represent authentic Judaism.

Thanks to Hiddush - a serious loophole closed

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:17:00 GMT

Just this week, on Tuesday, following Hiddush's petition, the Knesset approved regulations that would, for the first time, put a halt to the mass phenomenon of false claims of religiosity aimed at receiving exemptions from military service. Thousands of young women are exempted from IDF service every year on the basis of false affidavits claiming that their religious lifestyles prevent them from serving in the army, even though they lead secular lives.

New polling reaffirms Hiddush finding.

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:11:00 GMT

The January 2018 issue of the monthly Peace Index, published jointly by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Democracy Institute, touches upon key confrontation points along the spectrum of religion-state issues on the public's and political class's minds at this time.

Haredi city council lays down law on modesty, gender separation

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 08:49:00 GMT

An ultra-Orthodox municipality sent out a modesty rule book that prohibits men and women from traveling together or sitting near one another at work, rules out informal greetings such as “hello” and “goodbye,” and bans joking together or discussing issues not directly related to work.

A constitutional bill to define Torah study as a form of national service

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:28:00 GMT

Today's news sheds light on a new effort by the Haredi parties to permanently avoid requiring their adherents to equally shoulder the burden of national security.

Israeli couples are voting with their feet!

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 19:41:00 GMT

The Ministry of Religious Services has now reported a 4% drop in the number of couples marrying via the Rabbinate from 2016 to 2017. (The decline is really greater, because they ignore the increase in the Jewish population). In Tel Aviv the decline is greater than 15%!!

The Knesset's pending vote on the Convenience Store Bill

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:46:00 GMT

Hiddush sent all members of the Knesset the following report in advance of the Knesset vote on operating convenience stores on Shabbat in Israel. What does the public think of the Government's acquiescence to the ultra-Orthodox parties' demands to use legislative and policy channels in order to pass a law against operating local businesses on Shabbat?

72% of the Israeli public supports permitting work on Shabbat

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 11:56:00 GMT

72% of the public opposes the dictates of the ultra-Orthodox parties and supports permitting work on Shabbat

An End-of-Year review for Hiddush

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 10:54:00 GMT

With the end of the year approaching, we turn to you with a request to support the work of Hiddush and generously donate to us to enable us to expand and strengthen our advocacy work to promote freedom of religion and equality for all.

Thousands continue to receive IDF exemptions for false religious claims

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 10:10:00 GMT

Six years after the enactment of the law to establish an administrative process for revoking thousands of women's falsely obtained exemptions for having religious beliefs that conflict with IDF service, the process of approving the regulations to prevent such women from dodging the draft has not occurred, despite the continued phony claims of religious values.

Conversion compromise postponed - again.

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:16:00 GMT

Efforts to draft a compromise agreement between the Haredi political parties and the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel over the issue of Jewish conversion will not be finished before a six-month deadline arrives at the end of this month.

Mazal Tov from the Consul General of Israel in New York

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:50:00 GMT

The New York Times reports that Consul General Dayan wrote: "it is no secret many members of the American Jewish community disagree with existing Israeli legislation on civil status issues... Ultimately the Israeli Knesset — elected democratically by the Israeli citizens — legislates.

Highlights from the 2017 Israel Democracy Index

Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:33:00 GMT

This week, the annual Israel Democracy Index was published by the Israel Democracy Institute, underlining that Israelis harbor deep distrust for their politicians, the media, and the Chief Rabbinate but are generally favorably inclined toward the courts and presidency.

63% Israelis not aware that Jews can only divorce via Chief Rabbinate

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 12:12:00 GMT

More than 700,000 Israeli citizens can not marry at all in Israel, but only 11% of the citizenry are aware of this. Sixty-three percent of the public is not aware that even couples who get married civilly abroad are required to get divorced via the Israeli Chief Rabbinate.

Three weddings and a protest

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:58:00 GMT

Today, at Temple Emanu-El in New York, New York three young couples from Israel got married, making the statement that the basic right of marriage freedom should be denied to no one.

Yair Lapid's forceful speech against legislating religious coercion

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 21:16:00 GMT

The forceful speech made by Yair Lapid at the Knesset yesterday during a debate on a bill proposed by MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni, Chair of the Knesset Finance Committee, regarding Shabbat.

New report sheds light on Haredim in Higher Education

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 20:30:00 GMT

A recent report by the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel sheds light on another important dimension of the official statistics on Haredim in Higher Education that are so frequently cited by government officials.

Religion & gender discrimination in Israel

Mon, 27 Nov 2017 20:03:00 GMT

An important reaffirmation of Hiddush's assertion that addressing the challenge of religious freedom & equality requires a more comprehensive, systemic, proactive, and bold overhauling was published this month by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in its sixth periodic report on Israel.

71% of Jewish Israelis favor allowing railway maintenance work on Shabbat

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 13:53:00 GMT

The public believes in the principle of 'live and let live,' and it wants to support freedom of religion and freedom from religion in Israel.

Religion & State was front and center at the 2017 General Assembly

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 22:27:00 GMT

The religion-state stew is clearly boiling. This week, the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America convened in Los Angeles, and these challenges were front and center.

Corruption in the name of God

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 22:18:00 GMT

In the last couple days, a new chapter was added to the never ending saga of Israeli religious leaders who view the law as merely a suggestion. Whether for personal benefit or political opportunism, they do not hesitate to deviate from law and common norms.

Deputy Minister Hotovely: pluralistic Judaism "emptied Judaism of content"

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:46:00 GMT

At a conference of the American-Israeli community in Washington, the Deputy Foreign Minister said that non-Orthodox Judaism is not accepted in Israel. Director of the Reform movement: "Hotovely joins the wild campaign of incitement that has been going on in recent months against Reform Judaism."

The Kotel controversy

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 01:21:00 GMT

Many are following the twists and turns of the Kotel controversy with great interest and often anxiety. While grateful to the Jewish Week for featuring his take on the current state of the controversy, Rabbi Uri Regev feels that further contextualization and explanation is needed beyond the quotes that were reported.

Religious extremism emanating from Israel

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 21:01:00 GMT

Not content to exert their influence within the Haredi community, fundamentalist religious leaders and their sponsors have taken to attacking the Modern Orthodoxy community, which extols the virtues of Torah together with modernity and secular education.

The religion-state aspects of Israel's Nation-state bill

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:11:00 GMT

Next week the Knesset Special Committee on the Nation-State Bill (formally, 'Basic Law: Israel - The Nation-State of the Jewish People') will be deliberating on the revised draft bill, which was initiated by fourteen MKs from the Likud, Jewish Home, Yisrael Beiteinu, and Kulanu parties.

Yom Kippur sermon 5778: Suite 117

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 12:25:00 GMT

The Israeli government’s decision to back out of its pledge to expand a non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall, and ongoing discrimination against the Reform and Conservative movements, have brought to a head a crisis that has been brewing for decades. If not resolved, this crisis will destroy the relationship between the Jewish state and the Jewish people.

Rosh HaShana sermon 5778: Being a Good Jew

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 22:05:00 GMT

Most of us were born after the rise of a Jewish State, and can't imagine life otherwise. But some people consider it God's miracle.

Israel Religion & State Index 2017

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 13:21:00 GMT

65% of the Jewish Israeli public supports granting equal official status to the three largest streams of world Jewry. A majority supports the involvement of Diaspora Jewry in promoting freedom of religion and equality in Israel. 65% of the Jewish Israeli public believes that the Nation-State Bill should anchor the guarantee of freedom of religion and conscience in law.

The Bitter Taste of Victory - by Rabbi Pamela Frydman

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:19:00 GMT

On August 31st, the Israeli Supreme Court took up a matter brought by Hiddush, Women of the Wall and the Reform and Conservative Movements. The issue at hand is whether to require the government to adhere to, and implement, the Kotel agreement.

This week: just the latest in religious discrimination

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 13:02:00 GMT

Next week, Hiddush's annual Israel Religion & State Index will be published, and it will become clear just how much the gap between the public's will and the policies of Israel's elected official's has increased.

‘Game Of Chicken’ On Kotel Deal

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 12:48:00 GMT

Despite high court’s deadline, few expect egalitarian prayer pact to be implemented anytime soon.

Justice Baron: Discriminatory laws should not be preserved indefinitely

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:33:00 GMT

The High Court of Justice announced its ruling rejecting a petition submitted by same-sex couples to order the state to allow them and couples like them to marry in Israel. This came is no great surprise.

Comprehensive interview with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin in Israeli media

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 11:34:00 GMT

A recent detailed interview with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin appeared in the original Hebrew in Makor Rishon, with select paragraphs translated into English below.

U.S. State Department releases International Religious Freedom Report

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:09:00 GMT

The US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report for 2016, released last week, diplomatically pans the lack of progress by the Israeli government toward increased religious freedom.

Netanyahu taps ex-justice minister to review conversion policy

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 12:27:00 GMT

Moshe Nissim, 82, a former chief rabbi’s son, will work to ensure ‘Jewish unity’ in studying controversial bill

FAKE NEWS? LIBA declares 71% Israelis prefer to marry via Rabbinate!

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 10:09:00 GMT

The LIBA Center, which proclaims to be "dedicated to strengthening the Jewish Character of the State of Israel" once again demonstrated how to mislead the public by means of statistics.

Does Shas leader Aryeh Deri promote religious freedom?

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 21:12:00 GMT

This week Shas leader and Interior Minister Rabbi Aryeh Deri turned to Israel's Attorney General, demanding that the mandatory guidelines regarding the exclusion of women in the public sphere be suspended and reconsidered.

Labor Party Chairman: Accept Reform Conversions!

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 21:05:00 GMT

Newly elected Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay has come out strongly in favor of religious freedom on issues ranging from education, to public transportation on Shabbat, and to marriage & divorce. More recently, he's expressed support for the official state recognition of Reform conversions.

The Chief Rabbinate's recently divulged "blacklist"

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:59:00 GMT

If the Israeli government's recent suspension of the Kotel compromise and push for a restrictive conversion bill were not enough, Israel and the Jewish world woke up this week to yet a newly leaked "blacklist" created by Israel's Chief Rabbinate.

Two-thirds Israelis oppose government Kotel and Conversion decisions

Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:03:00 GMT

These Hiddush survey findings prove how far the government has swerved away from the public will and the needs of the State of Israel. Instead, the government leaders act as puppets whose strings are being pulled by the anti-Zionist, ultra-Orthodox political parties.

Politicians who degrade the Diaspora shouldn't seek support in its communities

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 21:30:00 GMT

If you weren't on Mars this week, there is high likelihood that you are aware of the fierce storms engulfing Israel and world Jewry under the blazing summer sun. Every self-respecting Jewish organization issued a statement, and the language ranged from dismay to deplore, although most were lacking when it came to taking action.

Three battle fronts: The Kotel, Conversion, and Shabbat

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:47:00 GMT

Israel's religion and state conflict is viewed as a key component of shaping Israel's path. Recent days have provided us with a good cross section of the scope, depth, motivations, impact, and potential consequences of this ongoing saga.

Secular military funerals permitted for first time ever

Sun, 25 Jun 2017 14:26:00 GMT

Following Hiddush's demands: the IDF regulations regarding the burial of fallen soldiers have been changed. It is now possible to hold a military funeral without religious contents in a military cemetery and - secular military funerals in civil cemeteries.

Support for same-sex marriage/civil unions - record high of 79%!

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 11:43:00 GMT

47% of Zionist Orthodox Israelis and 65% of voters for the Zionist Orthodox Jewish Home party support the establishment of same-sex marriage or civil unions in Israel.

Study finds that religious women in IDF report increased religious convictions

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:57:00 GMT

A new Israeli study found that young women who served in the IDF reported an increase in their level of religious convictions, more so than those who served in National Service. 89% said that their religious levels were not harmed or even improved during their IDF service.

Don’t undermine Jewish unity - the State Conversion in Israel bill

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 20:01:00 GMT

Minister Arye Deri’s is obsessed with eradicating any state recognition of Reform and Conservative Judaism in Israel. Now he’s submitted the “State Conversion in Israel” bill, which would for the first time legislate the exclusive authority of the state-established rabbinic bodies over conversion.

75% Israelis support coed service in the IDF

Tue, 30 May 2017 10:08:00 GMT

According to a Hiddush survey, the overwhelming majority of the Israeli Jewish public supports coed military service, including most of the voters for the Government Coalition parties.

Conversion bill to reject all conversions outside of Israel's Rabbinate

Thu, 18 May 2017 20:35:00 GMT

A measure submitted earlier this month by the Interior Ministry led by Rabbi Aryeh Deri, head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, is a blatant effort to circumvent a March 2016 Supreme Court ruling that allowed those undergoing private Orthodox conversions in Israel to become citizens under the Law of Return.

The State Comptroller's 2017 report: a searing indictment

Wed, 17 May 2017 13:34:00 GMT

Israel’s 39-chapter annual state Comptroller report, published on Tuesday, May 16, was nothing less than a blistering indictment of the unholy alliance of religion & state in Israel, providing multiple examples of criminality, corruption, and discrimination conducted by government officials in the arena of religion & state.

55% Jewish Israelis interested in weddings outside the Chief Rabbinate

Thu, 11 May 2017 09:10:00 GMT

55% of the Jewish Israeli public and 81% of the secular Jewish Israeli public are interested in alternative marriages outside the auspices of Israel's Chief Rabbinate. This is the first time that a majority of the Jewish Israeli public has expressed a personal preference for marriages outside the Chief Rabbinate.

"The Calamity of Independence"

Thu, 04 May 2017 23:05:00 GMT

The quotes and caricature presented on this page are just samples of feature articles and editorials published in the mainstream ultra-Orthodox media this week.

73% support the Israeli Supreme Court's ruling regarding Shabbat

Thu, 04 May 2017 20:08:00 GMT

73% of the Jewish public in Israel supports the High Court of Justice's ruling, which approved the Tel Aviv municipal ordinance concerning the operation of business on Shabbat. This includes 97% of secular Israeli Jews, 72% of Tel Aviv residents, and most of the voters for the civil Government Coalition parties.

79% - Promise of freedom of religion has not fully realized in Israel

Sun, 30 Apr 2017 13:10:00 GMT

79% of the Israeli Jewish public maintains that Declaration of Independence's promise of freedom of religion and conscience has not yet been fully realized in Israel. 76% support the full realization of this promise.

Pew's 2017 Global Restrictions on Religion Report

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 22:46:00 GMT

According to the Pew Research Center's recent report, Israel is among the 11 worst countries in the world for the 'Social Hostilities Index', categorized along with Syria, Nigeria, and Afghanistan as 'Very High'.

Supreme Court: Tel Aviv mini-markets may operate on Shabbat

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:30:00 GMT

Israel's High Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday in favor of Tel Aviv’s battle to expand facilities open to the secular public on Shabbat, saying that the municipality can permit mini-markets to operate on the Jewish day of rest.

A reflection for Pesach 2017

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:28:00 GMT

We at Hiddush realize that we need to view the concept of freedom beyond simply delivery from slavery, and as we celebrate Passover this year, we are ever motivated to bring Israel more fully into a state of religious freedom and equality.

For first time, Orthodox NGO campaigns for civil marriage in Israel

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 21:44:00 GMT

Civil marriage is one of the most encumbered issues in the Jewish state, but the Modern Orthodox organization Ne’emenei Torah Va’Avodah began a campaign Sunday advocating for the introduction of such a possibility in Israel.

US Reform leadership meets with PM Netanyahu

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 01:24:00 GMT

The Prime Minister must either stop the incitement against non-Orthodox Judaism from within his own government or sever his political alliance with those who wage war against world Jewry and block Netanyhu's own public commitment to ensure that all Jews feel at home in Israel.

90% dissatisfied with rabbinical courts' dealings with Agunot

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 13:28:00 GMT

90% of the adult Jewish public is dissatisfied with the Israeli Rabbinical Courts' way of dealing with Agunot and women whose husbands refuse to grant them divorces. 87% believe that the rabbinical courts should force husbands to grant their wives divorces in cases of domestic violence. Measuring which institutions the public trusts most, 59% of respondents trust the Supreme Court, but only 16% most trust the Rabbinate, 13% - the Knesset and 12% - the Government!

A Haredi Supreme Court Judge - What does that really mean?

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:41:00 GMT

There is therefore need for further thinking as to the prerequisites for serving in the state’s judicial institutions in general, and the Supreme Court in particular.

80% of Israel's religious councils have only one woman

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:09:00 GMT

Only 70 women currently serve nationwide (on 58 of Israel's religious councils). They represent 17% of the total 407 religious council members throughout Israel.

Supreme Court nominations threaten religious freedom

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:43:00 GMT

Last week, months of nomination deliberations for four positions that will soon become vacant on Israel's Supreme Court came to an end. Israel's Minister of Justice, Ayelet Shaked, the token secular representative of the Zionist Orthodox Jewish Home party, chaired the nominations committee.

Chief Rabbi Yosef attacks Israel's civil courts

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:25:00 GMT

Last week at a national rabbinic conference, Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef declared that rabbis should warn the Israeli public that in the event of legal disputes, they should take their cases to the rabbinical courts, rather than to Israel's civil courts.

Stepping up Hiddush's legal advocacy

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 22:29:00 GMT

With key governmental ministries controlled by the ultra-Orthodox and Zionist Orthodox parties, and with these elements in the Coalition dictating their wills to the Government even beyond the sphere of their ministerial portfolios, there is a growing need for legal advocacy work to challenge inequity and illegal practices (some new and some lingering). Hiddush has been stepping up its legal advocacy work in response to this need; the following are just a few examples:

Politicians and Shabbat – this is not the way!

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 10:14:00 GMT

Shabbat appears in the Ten Commandments twice; once anchored in Divine Creation and once in the context of social justice, concern for society’s weak.

Landmark Supreme Court cases emblematic of Israel's religion-state divide

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:31:00 GMT

This week has been very busy on the legal front of religious freedom & equality in Israel. In many ways, it has been symptomatic of the intensity and diversity of the many issues confronting Israel along the religion-state divide.

62% of Israelis support women's Torah reading at Western Wall

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 09:30:00 GMT

Following the Supreme Court’s issuance of a Show Cause Order to the Government regarding the prohibition against women’s Torah readings at the Western Wall: Among secular Israelis 86% expressed their support, as did 61% of the traditional Jewish community.

The growing challenge to religious freedom and equality

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 09:45:00 GMT

The ultra-Orthodox parties, joined by a number of key members of other Coalition parties, to put an end to the prospects of greater opportunities for Women's and egalitarian worship practices at the Western Wall plaza.

Bill would anchor Orthodox practice in law at the Western Wall

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 08:26:00 GMT

Lawmakers from Shas and United Torah Judaism, as well as Likud’s Oren Hazan, David Amsalem and Miki Zohar and Jewish Home’s Betzalel Smotrich, Moti Yogev, and Nissan Slomianksy, have endorsed the proposed legislation, officially lodged on Sunday, that would anchor Orthodox practice in law throughout the entire Western Wall vicinity.

2016 Israel Religion and State Index - by party voters

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 19:02:00 GMT

In Israel's Jewish community there is very broad opposition to the Government's actions in realm of religion & state and consistent support for all aspects of religious freedom and equality. This is the main conclusion of the Israel Religion & State Index.

The ‘Muezzin Bill’ – a masquerade

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 09:51:00 GMT

It's the Litzmans and Deris of the religious Jewish leadership that have never hesitated to deny these very freedoms to fellow Jews and non-Jews whenever they have had the political ability to do so.

Knesset Internal Affairs Committee Chair stoops even lower!

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:51:00 GMT

The Jewish Federations of North America convened their General Assembly earlier this week, and impressed upon Prime Minister Netanyahu how strongly they feel about implementing the Western Wall Agreement that his Government reached with Women of the Wall, and the Reform and Conservative movements. While the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to the agreement, but pleaded to them for patience & silence, MK David Amsalem, a senior member of Netanyahu's Likud party, in his official capacity as Chairman of the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee, attempted to sabotage the agreement because it offends his religious sentiments. In doing so he had no compunction acknowledging that this would offend American Jewry.

Sukkot 2016: Batya Kahana Dror, Esq.

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:57:00 GMT

Batya Kahana Dror, Esq. writes, "Getting married via the Rabbinate is not fitting for all couples. Sometimes this clashes with their worldviews, and sometimes it creates bureaucratic difficulties in simply obtaining the Rabbinate's permission to marry at all. Divorcing through the Rabbinate is also more difficult."

Sukkot 2016: Rabbi Meir Azari

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:50:00 GMT

Rabbi Meir Azari writes, "The recent years have seen a blossoming of Reform communities, Conservative, secular and the like, situated between what an Israeli would refer to as Orthodox and secular. Many are seeking a Jewish voice for good and equality."

Sukkot 2016: Tehila Friedman-Nachalon

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:45:00 GMT

Tehila Friedman-Nachalon writes, "The battles that Hiddush sees as battles for "religious freedom," I perceive as battles over the substance and understanding of the 'Jewish' in 'Jewish and democratic.'"

Sukkot 2016: Prof. Pinchas Shiffman

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:36:00 GMT

Professor Pinchas Shiffman writes, "The problem facing stringent religious Judaism is whether to accept a person who lives among us and truly wants to be a Jew, but does intend to be religious. This person's rejection reinforces the split between Jews according to religion and Jews according to nationality."

Sukkot 2016: Smadar Dekel Naim, Esq.

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:27:00 GMT

Smadar Dekel Naim, Esq. writes, "There is no reason whatsoever to be party to this religious coercion, especially at this most precious, family-oriented moment, and in the most personal of matters. Why should we hold non-egalitarian ceremonies, with rabbis who don't identify with our ways of life? Many of whom actually despise us?"

Sukkot 2016: Shira Ben Sasson-Furstenberg

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 12:11:00 GMT

Shira Ben Sasson-Furstenberg writes, "I don't want to be a Torah observant woman that is a guest in Israel's Jewish arena because she is not a man. It is expected that she will not participate, that she will remain behind the mehitza, at the back of the bus."

2016 Religion & State Index: the Zionist Orthodox sector

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 21:58:00 GMT

Should Israeli actualize freedom of religion and conscience? - 95% of Zionist Orthodox moderates support this, as do 62% of mainstream Orthodox Zionists and 53% of Zionist ultra-Orthodox Israelis. The Index reflects the Government's total disregard for the public's will, but shows signs of hope within the moderate Zionist Orthodox community.

2016 Religion & State Index: freedom of marriage

Sun, 09 Oct 2016 12:45:00 GMT

A revolution: About half of the Jewish public would prefer not to get married via the monopolistic, state empowered Chief Rabbinate

The 2016 Israel Religion & State Index

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 08:17:00 GMT

81% of Israeli Jews are dissatisfied with the Government's activities in the realm of religion & state; 66% support the Kotel compromise; 66% support freedom of marriage; 4 out of 5 secular Jews do not want to marry via the Orthodox Rabbinate.

Reaction to the death of Shimon Peres (1923-2016)

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:29:00 GMT

Hiddush President Stanley Gold knew President Shimon Peres z"l for over 30 years. He recalls a lunch date in Israel with Mr. Peres about 10 years ago.

In memory of President Shimon Peres z"l

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 11:41:00 GMT

Hiddush lovingly remembers President Shimon Peres z"l (1923-2016), a true Israeli hero and champion of civil rights.

The AJC-JPost surveys of American & Israeli Jews on pluralism in Israel

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 20:08:00 GMT

A significant development in the arena of religion and state is a recent study conducted by the Jerusalem Post and the AJC of U.S. and Israeli Jewish public opinion, which was published last Friday. Following is Hiddush's analysis:

The number of unmarried couples living together up by 29%

Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:33:00 GMT

Over the course of two years, the number of unmarried couples living together in Israel increased dramatically by 28%, or nearly 20,000 couples. During this same period, the number of Jewish couples who got married in Israel fell by 6.5%. These are the findings of Hiddush's analysis of Central Bureau of Statistics data.

Supreme Court rules on illegal writs of refusal from rabbinical court

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:47:00 GMT

The Supreme Court required the Attorney General's office to decide soon whether or not to file charges against the judges of the private, ultra-Orthodox rabbinical court who issued an excommunication notice to a Haredi resident Elad who are also suspected of blackmail, threatening private citizens, and obstruction of justice.

An open letter to Natan Sharansky

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 09:56:00 GMT

Mr. Sharansky, you praised the rabbinate for “connecting the Jewish state with Judaism.” Sadly, you are wrong, for the monopolistic and coercive rabbinate is alienating Israeli Jews from Judaism.

62% support right of non-Orthodox converts to use mikva'ot

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:48:00 GMT

86% of Israel's secular Jewish population support this right, but 91% of the ultra-Orthodox population is opposed. Hiddush VP Shahar Ilan: "This Knesset vote was nothing less than spitting in the face of world Jewry. The best way to predict the Government Coalition's course of action on matters of religion and state is to poll the Israeli public and assume that the Coalition will do exactly the opposite."

72% Jewish Israelis support public transportation on Shabbat

Sun, 19 Jun 2016 07:24:00 GMT

The gap between the public's support for public transportation on Shabbat and the cowardly, embarrassing intransigence of the Coalition is intolerable. MK Yael German (Yesh Atid): "A minority faction in the Knesset prevents such measures for social justice."

Separate but equal in Israel? Why should this be considered okay?

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 20:44:00 GMT

Serious questions should arise, regarding the ongoing challenge of equal rights and access for the non-Orthodox movements Israel, which continues to follow the path of this unconstitutional principle of "separate but equal."

Israel's ritual bath controversy

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 20:00:00 GMT

Unsurprisingly, though extremely disappointingly, MK Gafni's partners in the Coalition Government have all bowed to his demands, and are supporting his legislative initiative to undo the landmark Supreme Court ruling on mikva'ot.

Support for same-sex marriage/civil unions - record high of 76%!

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 08:30:00 GMT

80% of the Jewish Israeli public supports giving married LGBTQ couples all or most of the same rights and privileges as heterosexual married couples. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: "These results - yet another reason for pride during Pride Month, but the legal and political reality is shameful."

Politics casts shadow over encouraging legal progress & public opinion

Thu, 26 May 2016 09:07:00 GMT

Hiddush derives encouragement from developments on the fronts of public opinion and the legal arena, but on the political scene, the news is more bleak than encouraging when it comes to issues of religious freedom & equality.

A Missed Opportunity to Support Secular Life in Israel

Fri, 06 May 2016 10:44:00 GMT

The rabbinate sees itself as waging a culture war, and it has been winning. Since the state’s founding rabbinic power thwarts the development of a secular conception of citizenship. Hiddush polled Israeli Jews and found that 71% support the freedom to marry and divorce independent of the Orthodox rabbinate.

Landmark conversions ruling is a victory for religious freedom in Israel

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 13:33:00 GMT

The Israeli Supreme Court’s recent landmark ruling on conversion represents another blow to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate’s monopoly on religious affairs; it strengthens a pluralistic approach to Judaism; and it upholds the principles of religious freedom and the rule of law.

Updates: the Kotel agreement & Supreme Court mikva'ot ruling

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 12:39:00 GMT

In the last week, there have been a number of developments in the ultra-Orthodox political and rabbinical leadership's battle against the implementation of the Kotel agreement, as well as their battle against the Supreme Court's ruling to make Israel's public mikva'ot available for non-Orthodox conversion ceremonies.

Israel pushed towards theocracy

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:36:00 GMT

Minister Rabbi Litzman: "Netanyahu either loves the Reform Jews of the Diaspora, or the Haredim of Israel; it's either-or. There are no two ways about it... The Supreme Court is destroying everything good related to religion & state, and... the only way to stand against it is by passing legislation."

Will the Pew Israel Report Open our Eyes?

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 12:41:00 GMT

Rabbi Uri Regev presents his first impressions of the 2016 Pew report on Israel's Religiously Divided Society. His intimate familiarity with the subject matter and the population surveyed provide him a unique prism, which served him in assessing the report.

The Kotel Agreement – Multiple Perspectives

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 13:25:00 GMT

The picture that emerges now is fuller and more complex. On the side of those involved in reaching the agreement, additional perspectives have been emerging. Below, we will attempt to organize the primary views and arguments that were heard following the agreement, both pro, con, and those in-between.

Landmark ruling to allow non-Orthodox converts access to all mikva’ot

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 09:01:00 GMT

A new front, far more vicious and perilous, has emerged. The Chief Rabbinate and ultra-Orthodox politicians are gearing up to prevent the implementation of this ruling to further undermine the Supreme Court and demonize the non-Orthodox movements.

71% of Israeli Jews: Rabbinate's monopoly distances Jews from Judaism

Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:54:00 GMT

Not only is the denial of the freedom to marry antithetical to core democratic principles, but it also undermines Jewish interests. 71% of the Israeli Jewish public maintain that the Chief Rabbinate's and the rabbinical courts' monopoly over marriage and divorce distances Jews from Judaism.

After Kotel compromise, dramatic changes still needed

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:50:00 GMT

The progress made over the Kotel should convince communal leaders that we need to further engage in the religion-state clash, and that Israelis need support in advancing the Jewish state’s own core founding principles of religious freedom and equality for all.

Is the Kotel Deal Merely a Fig Leaf For Rabbinic Tyranny?

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 07:29:00 GMT

The historic Kotel Agreement represents laudable progress in Israel’s stormy sea of religion, state and politics, but it is important to remember that the issue of prayer at the Kotel is only one of many in the arena of religious freedom. We do not have the luxury of sitting back and relishing this.

How to most effectively advocate for religious freedom and equality in Israel

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:41:00 GMT

What advocacy strategy should supporters of religious freedom in Israel pursue? How should we set our policy priorities? How meaningful are Prime Minister Netanyahu's promises to Diaspora Jewry?

Hiddush presents: Marriage freedom by the numbers

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 10:03:00 GMT

Hiddush released its new presentation titled, 'Marriage Freedom in Israel: by the Numbers,' which provides answers to the questions most often asked about the condition of marriage freedom in Israel, and related issues. Shahar Ilan, the Hiddush VP of Research and Information, presented the data at the meeting of the Knesset's Peoplehood, Religion, & State Caucus.

Hiddush makes progress on military burial rights for IDF soldiers

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 21:18:00 GMT

Once again, Hiddush is impacting on Israeli governmental policies, advancing religious freedom and equality. This time – it’s about a very painful and sensitive issue: burial of fallen soldiers. Last week we were informed of the acceptance of our demands (although we will have to follow the implementation, as we know from past experience…).

The Chief Rabbinate's anti-Christmas policy

Tue, 29 Dec 2015 11:10:00 GMT

The ban on placing Christmas trees in hotels is but one example of the many ways that the rabbinate disregards the law and extorts submission to its norms in breach of the law.

Israel's Rabbinate coerces and discriminates in hotels

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:39:00 GMT

Despite officially and publicly updating its kashrut regulations for hotels this year, in order to be in compliance with the law, Israel's Rabbinate continues to coerce hotels to enforce Shabbat restrictions and its illegal ban against all Christian holiday symbols.

Israel's theocratic elements becoming more violent and vocal

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:07:00 GMT

The formula "Jewish and democratic" remains not only unsettled, but actually serves as a mine field. Frequent explosions occur, for religious extremists feeling constrained do not hesitate to threaten the institutions of the State to have their demands met.

Chief Rabbinate perverting Sukkot with religious bigotry

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:04:00 GMT

Only one year ago, Chief Rabbi Lau self-righteously preached to the Pope, proclaiming Israel's greatness in protection of religious freedom, and now he himself aimed to curtail Christian prayer services in Jerusalem.

Analysis of Israelis from the Former Soviet Union

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 22:41:00 GMT

The graphs below show the opinions held by FSU olim in Israel, as compared to the general, Jewish Israeli public. It should go without saying that this demographic is the most adversely affected by the Orthodox Rabbinate's monopolistic powers, and there is no way one could envisage the successful absorption of the FSU immigrant population into Israel society if these issues are not resolved - first and foremost, the right to marry freely!

Supreme Court hears Hiddush petition against coercive rabbinical court

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:50:00 GMT

Justice Mazuz: “The ‘Writs of Refusal’ are intended to deny a person his rights as a man and a citizen by blocking his/her way to State institutions (i.e. - the courts) that can render him remedy in realizing his rights.”

Support for public transporation on Shabbat at highest level ever

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 23:47:00 GMT

What gives Israel its Jewish character? Is it liberty, justice and peace, as taught by the Hebrew Prophets, or is it the lack of public transportation on Shabbat, which greatly restricts the weakest sectors of Israeli society?

Israel's High Court Unanimously Agrees with Hiddush

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 11:47:00 GMT

November 12 marked a major, promising step in our battles that will surely become a landmark legal case on the road to ensuring Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state. Privately issued "writs of refusal" excommunicating those who turn to Israel's legal system for justice are illegal - the private rabbinical courts continue acting illegally in defiance of the law.

Rabbi Shlomo Amar's Uncandid Candidacy

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:21:00 GMT

Rabbi Shlomo Amar was elected Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Jerusalem after some back room wheeling and dealing. He invited Dr. Laura Wharton and Rabbi Bandel of Meretz over during the holiday of Sukkot to secure the Meretz vote, and then he claimed not to know them.

Christian intolerance towards the Jews of Huxley

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Jewish organizations, as expected, come to the defense of the Jewish community of Huxley, as Christian leaders attempt to ban their prayer event. But what would Jewish organizations do in the reverse situation?

Hiddush Releases 2014 Israel Religion and State Index; Strong desire for involvement of world Jewry in efforts for freedom of marriage

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:15:00 GMT

Public support for freedom of religion and equality in Israel is rapidly growing. The vast majority of Israeli Jews support joint efforts between Israel and world Jewry for freedom of marriage in Israel.

The Israeli government's plan for the Room of the Last Supper sets a new paradigm for inter-religious harmony

Mon, 12 May 2014 09:54:00 GMT

Despite protests from fundamentalist religious groups, this decision could have a positive impact on interfaith relations in Israel.

"Israeli public schools will be able to choose non-Orthodox rabbis and lecturers to serve as Jewish educators for their students"

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 14:12:00 GMT

Hiddush reminds Education Minister Shai Piron of his commitment to Jewish pluralism to ensure public secular schools have a free choice in hiring Jewish educators

2013 Religion and State Index

Fri, 08 Nov 2013 11:58:00 GMT

In the fifth consecutive Religion and State Index, there is a noticeable rise in support for non-Orthodox marriages and conversions. A majority of Israelis support equal recognition of Reform and Conservative Rabbis.

To Reach Diaspora, Make Israel Welcoming to All Jews

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 10:27:00 GMT

In a Jewish Daily Forward op-ed, Rabbi Uri Regev writes that Israeli and American Jewish leadership's blind eye to religious freedom in Israel will endanger Israel's relationship with the next generation of American Jewry.

A rapidly growing number of Israelis support Jewish pluralism and equality in Israel

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 08:38:00 GMT

The 2013 Religion and State Index look at the standing of Reform and Conservative Judaism in Israel for the first time. The results were surprisingly optimistic and show that more and more Israelis see the need to recognize all major Jewish denominations.

An Orthodox Perspective on Religion and State in Israel

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 09:11:00 GMT

A conversation with Rabbi Ariel Picard from the Shalom Hartman Institute.

Hiddush advocates for religious freedom in the Davis Cup

Sun, 18 Aug 2013 13:39:00 GMT

Israeli Tennis Association agreed to compensate the Beligan Tennis Association more than $13,000 to avoid playing on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Uri Regev: The tournament scheduling must respect freedom of religious expression.

Hiddush petitions to the Supreme Court against rabbinical courts' excommunication practices

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:01:00 GMT

In a landmark case, Hiddush petitioned to the Israeli Supreme Court on behalf of an ultra-Orthodox resident of Elad to annul the writ of refusal issued by a rabbinical court for filing a case in Israel's civil courts.

Latest arrests of Women of the Wall Continue Despicable Tradition

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:03:00 GMT

10 women from Women of the Wall were detained for interrogation after finishing their prayers at the Kotel in honor of the new Jewish month.

80% of the Jewish public supports establishing a civil government coalition

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:03:00 GMT

Rafi Smith Research Institute to Hiddush: 80% of the Jewish public in Israel support establishing a civil government coalition that will advance the agenda of religious freedom and equality.

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

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 21:41:00 GMT

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!”

Hiddush's Annual Israel Religion and State Index: 2012

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:37:00 GMT

Support for religious freedom rises to 85%, 67% say Haredi MKs distance public from Judaism, 76% dissatisfied with government policies on religion

Arresting WOW Leaders isn't the Answer

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 22:25:00 GMT

On October 16th, Anat Hoffman of "Women of the Wall" was arrested as she led a monthly Rosh Hodesh prayer service at the Western Wall. On November 15th, six WOW leaders were detained. It's time to face the bigger picture.

What they are saying about non-Orthodox Judaism and rabbis: A Compilation of Quotes

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:41:00 GMT

Hiddush exposes the hate speech that continues to inform policy, leading to continued discrimination of non-Orthodox Jews.

What some MKs are actually saying about Reform rabbis

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:53:00 GMT

In the excitement of Israel's first step toward recognition of non-Orthodox rabbis, these appointments were met with disturbing reactions by both ultra-Orthodox and National Religious political leaders.

Hiddush VP testifies: No partner in ultra-Orthodox leadership

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 13:49:00 GMT

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."

Mofaz and Netanyahu unity government must promote equality

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 GMT

Amid the shocking news of the Netanyahu and Mofaz unity government, it is critical "to take advantage of having a clear civil majority in the coalition to advance the recommendations of the Trajtenberg Committee", and promote true equality in Israel.

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

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:30:00 GMT

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.

Did The Global Jewish Forum on Haredim Face the Facts?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:23:00 GMT

The Jewish Agency and Makom opened the conversation on the impact of ultra-Orthodoxy on Israel and on the Jewish People as a whole, but did they give their participants a full picture?

Chaim Weizmann's warning

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:09:00 GMT

Chaim Weizman, Israel’s first president, warned in 1949 of the impending culture clash that would face the State of Israel: “We must have a clear line of demarcation between legitimate religious aspirations and the duty of the State towards preserving such aspirations on the one hand, and on the other hand the lust for power which is sometimes exhibited by pseudo-religious groups”.

83% of Jewish Israelis want change in housing subsidies

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:22:00 GMT

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.

MK Eichler: Reform Jews worse than Arabs

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:19:00 GMT

Hiddush CEO, Rabbi Uri Regev: Eichler’s behavior reveals the sad truth of the ultra-Orthodox parties in the Israeli Knesset is deep hatred of the other, simply because they are other.

Hiddush presents: Exclude the Excluders!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:30:00 GMT

Director of Hiddush, Rabbi Uri Regev: "No more will women be excluded from the public sphere. We can no longer stand with those who promote the exclusion of women, the time has come to for a civil governmental coalition without those who exclude."

US State Department warns tourists against “immodest dress”

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:45:00 GMT

Updated travel guidelines from the US State Department reflect growing concern about violence against women for their dress.

What was Eli Yishai thinking?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:16:00 GMT

Eli Yishai's recent comparison of the Six Day War and the Second Lebanon War were not only offensive, they were just plain incorrect.

Hiddush Poll: 43% of the Israeli Jewish public support Lapid’s entry into political life

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:14:00 GMT

34% of the respondents said they are very likely or somewhat likely to vote for a new party that will advance religious freedom and the equal shouldering of civic responsibilities. Hiddush president, Rabbi Uri Regev: “There is great eagerness among Israelis for a new political leader that will focus on religious freedom and equality”.

Attempt to allow voluntary segregation of buses fails

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:12:00 GMT

A bus was delayed half an hour after a woman refused to give in to ultra-Orthodox demans to sit in the back. CEO of Hiddush, Rabbi Uri Regev says: Ultra-Orthodox zealots enforce bus segregation with violence

ADL denounces ultra-Orthodox spitting at Christian clergymen

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:31:00 GMT

The ADL reached out to Chief Rabbis Amar and Metzger, asking them to condemn violent acts from their ultra-Orthodox constituents toward Christian clergy

Human Rights Day in Israel

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:25:00 GMT

As we reflect on Human Rights Day, we are reminded of the dire need of Israel to acknowledge its failure in ensuring those promised in both the International Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Independence of Israel itself.

Jeffrey Goldberg shows “How Israel Can Stop Alienating American Jews”

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:22:00 GMT

Jeffrey Goldberg suggests several ideas as to “How Israel Can Stop Alienating American Jews”, including showing respect for diverse Jewish expression and ending ultra-Orthodox discrimination

Hiddush outraged by possibility of all-male committee for Rabbinic appointment

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:10:00 GMT

Suggested appointments for the Committee for Rabbinical Judges would leave the committee without female members, exacerbating and intensifying the already gender-discriminatory rabbinic court system

Tzohar Rabbis Disingenuous In Their Campaign

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:36:00 GMT

Tzohar’s “victory for the Jewish People” is not in keeping with the pluralistic reality of the Jewish community in the United States from whom they have requested support.

91% of Jewish religious population: Gender segregation is distortion of Judaism.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:35:00 GMT

According to a survey by the Smith Institute for Hiddush, 89% of the Jewish public in Israel sees recent controversies over gender segregation in the streets of Mea Shearim and on bus lines as a distortion of Judaism (42%) or extremely unnecessary (47%).

U.S. State Department reports limitations on religious freedom despite opposition from most citizens

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:06:00 GMT

The U.S. State Department 2010 Report on International Religious Freedom sites increasing tension in Israeli society between secular and ultra-Orthodox citizens on issues such as housing allocations, military service exemptions and allocations for religious institutions of study. The report also lists a series of cases of violence against women in terms of extreme demands for modest dress and gender separation.

Supreme Court Petition to Allow Civil Marriage

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev remarks “The reality which denies the basic human right of marriage to hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens is intolerable.”

Signs in Mea She’arim: “No Entry for Men in Uniform.”

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMT

Ultra-Orthodox wall ads blatantly express their distaste for soldiers. On Haredi site “Kikar Shabbat,” new ads are dubbed “new low for Mea She’arim.”

Hiddush Shows two-thirds of Israelis Support Civil Marriage

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:12:00 GMT

Researchers Drs. Guy Ben-Porat and Yariv Feniger posit that because there is a gap between support for civil marriage and personal interest in having a civil marriage, major political parties do not promote the issue. Hiddush CEO Rabbi Regev: “Leading up to elections, people need to demand that the political party leaders commit themselves to…carry out a civil revolution, including freedom of choice in marriage”

Most who will receive housing subsidies are ultra-Orthodox

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:50:00 GMT

More than half of housing subsidies will defacto be given to ultra-Orthodox residents, who make up less than 10% of the general population in Israel. Housing Minister Ariel Atias continues to design biased systems instead of fair ones.

After the buses: gender segregation reaches share taxis

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 07:36:00 GMT

The segregation between women and men does not end with the ‘Mehadrin Lines.’ Hiddush’s spokesman personally experienced segregation in share taxis: ‘I was removed from the vehicle after a single stop, because women would not let me sit next to them.’ Taxi drivers say segregation has them setting out with half-empty cabs

Human Rights And The Supreme Court

Sun, 29 May 2011 10:04:00 GMT

Israel has never had a constitution and has relied on its Declaration of Independence and judges to maintain equality

Changing From Religious To Civil Marriages

Sun, 29 May 2011 09:37:00 GMT

A comparative study for transitioning from religious to civil marriage systems

Religious coercion in Israel escalating

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:30:00 GMT

U.S. State Department report on religious freedom worldwide finds increase in religious coercion, discrimination, and violence in Israel. Reports: Validity of 40,000 conversions in doubt, 360,000 new immigrants cannot get married

Summer 2010 Index

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:15:00 GMT

Religion and State Index for the second half of 2010: 80% of the Jewish public objects to new religious legislation; 75% favor decreasing funding for yeshivas

Incentives not to work

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:28:00 GMT

To put the ultra-Orthodox to work, the stipend pipeline must be cut. Any other policy would be irresponsible and endanger Israel and its economy

25 Facts about Religion and State in Israel

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:58:00 GMT

The "status quo" agreement reached at the founding of the state between the country’s founders and the mainstream Orthodox rabbinical councils, which has been upheld throughout the state's history, requires that the Government implement some policies based on Orthodox Jewish interpretations of religious law.

Recommit to Israel's Founding Vision

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:09:00 GMT

Israel was established on the basis of religious freedoms; where do we go from here?