“We have to act now before Beit Shemesh becomes the next Iran.” (from JPost linked article below).
Israel’s Channel 2 documentary on intimidation of schoolgirls in Beit Shemesh is causing a media fury in Israel, and from what we hear in the U.S. too.
Last night, thousands attended a rally to protest the actions of this vocal minority and to force the authorities to act.
Video includes improved English subtitles. [Updated from a previous version.]
Following, is a speech delivered last night by Hadassa Margolese, the mother of 7 year old Naama Margolese, portrayed in the above video.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 27, 2011
CONTACT: Samantha Friedman
Rabinowitz/Dorf Communications
Samantha@rabinowitz-dorf.com
(202) 265-3000 (o); (202) 215-9260 (c)
HADASSAH RESPONDS TO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN IN ISRAEL
NEW YORK – In response to recent discriminatory acts against women by extremists in Israel, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, released the following statement:
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, always has stood firmly against discrimination with regard to gender, religion and race. We denounce recent attempts by extremists to segregate and discriminate against women in public spaces in Israel. All of our institutions including Hadassah Medical Organization, Youth Aliyah, Hadassah College and Young Judaea are fully committed to equal opportunity for all. While we respect the religious convictions of all individuals, we will not compromise the core values of Hadassah.
Hadassah’s 300,000 members and the Associates who support us praise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres for their public statements and call on religious and political leaders everywhere to join them in condemning and committing to end extremist positions against women.
Founded in 1912, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is celebrating its 100th year. Hadassah is the largest women’s, largest Zionist, and largest Jewish membership organization in the United States. In Israel, it supports medical care and research, education and youth programs, and reforestation and parks projects. In the United States, Hadassah promotes health education, social action and advocacy, volunteerism, Jewish education and research, Young Judaea and connections with Israel. For more information, visit http://www.hadassah.org.
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