Israel’s current status quo of conjoined religious and civil legal systems enables violence against women and limits the rights and freedoms of women and men alike.  That was the message of a presentation by CWJ director, Dr. Susan Weiss at an international conference on The Jewish Community Confronts Violence and Abuse, held in December 2014 at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem.

Speaking at a panel discussion on get refusal, Dr. Weiss explained that get refusal must be considered a form of violence, as it infringes on a woman’s dignity and right to freedom and self-determination. Moreover, she added, the rights of women to privacy and freedom from interference is often violated by the rabbinic courts, which have exclusive jurisdiction over personal status issues such as divorce and conversion. Dr. Weiss illustrated her remarks with examples of get refusal and financial extortion allowed by the rabbinic court system

Many of the more than 50 audience members – professionals representing the entire Jewish spectrum - reacted with enthusiastic applause and vocal support as Weiss suggested that the violence and injustice linked with get refusal can be ended only by the separation of church and state in Israel. The presentation clearly raised awareness among conference participants who were new to the idea. After raising questions on issues such as the nature of the Jewish state, and listening to Dr. Weiss’ succinct responses, they continued discussing the issue with fellow participants well past the close of the session.

CWJ extends gratitude to the following supporters whose direct assistance is ensuring that our educational message reaches the Israeli public and builds momentum for change: The David Berg Foundation, Greater Miami Jewish Federation Women’s Amutot Initiative, Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, Jewish Women’s Foundation of South Palm Beach County, the Miriam Fund and the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation of Greater Washington, as well as to donors whose general support provides a secure foundation for advancing this key project.